Chapter 14 - Progress in the development of vaccines against human papillomavirus

Abstract

Cervical cancer caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) is a heavy health burden for many countries. It is responsible for thousands of deaths each year. The development of prophylactic vaccines against (HPV), as well as their introduction in several countries, has led to a remarkable reduction in the incidence rate of HPV infection and related diseases, such as warts and worms. precancerous lesions. Currently, three types of prophylactic HPV vaccines are available on the market, a quadrivalent vaccine, a bivalent, and a new nonvalent vaccine. Although these vaccines have a protection rate of over 90% against HPV infections, they are unable to treat people who are already infected. Thus efforts have been directed toward the design of therapeutic vaccines that kill infected cells by stimulating cell-mediated immunity. This chapter reviews the different vaccination strategies currently used for the prevention or treatment of HPV infection, and presents the different types of vaccines available, as well as their effectiveness and safety. It also gives an overview on the vaccination coverage against this virus in the world, in addition to a view on factors which influence the extension of this coverage in low-income countries.