Human Papillomavirus Type Research Articles

Understanding the barriers and facilitators of human papillomavirus vaccine uptake in Kwale and Mombasa counties in Kenya: A study protocol

Background Cervical cancer poses a significant public health problem globally. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination protects against HPV types 16 and 18, responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases. The optimal vaccination age is in the early adolescent period before sexual debut with possible HPV infection. In 2019, through the Ministry of Health, the Kenya government introduced the HPV vaccine to 10-14-year-old girls. However, analysis of the vaccine coverage across the counties shows that uptake is suboptimal. Our study proposes to apply the World Health Organization (WHO) Measuring Behavioural and Social Drivers (BeSD) of the vaccination framework to understand the barriers and facilitators of HPV vaccine uptake in two counties of Kenya. Methods The study design will be cross-sectional, utilising a mixed methods approach for data collection. We will sample 668 girls aged 10–14 years, across the two counties of Kwale and Mombasa and collect data using using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Qualitative data will be collected through focus group discussions with CHEWs, and community leaders, and key informant interviews with nurses, clinical officers, vaccine program managers and national vaccine focal persons. We will use the WHO BeSDvaccination framework as our conceptual framework. Significance Understanding the barriers and facilitators for HPV vaccination will help in developing strategies to be applied for improving HPV vaccine uptake.

Lineage and sublineage analysis of human papillomavirus types 51 and 59 in Iranian women.

The current study aimed to investigate the sequence variations of HPV 51 and 59 in normal cervical cells and premalignant/malignant lesions of the cervix to know the common variants of HPV 51 and HPV 59 circulating in Iran. To do this, eighty-five samples that were infected by HPV 51 or HPV 59 were investigated using hemi-PCR to amplify the E6 gene followed by sequencing. Our findings indicated that lineages A and B were detected in 80.4% and 19.6% of HPV 51-positive cases, respectively. Among samples infected with HPV 59, 32.2% belonged to lineage A and 67.8% were classified with lineage B. In conclusion, our results showed that lineage A of HPV 51 and lineage B of HPV 59 are more prevalent and distributed in Iran.

Functional Characterisation of Surfactant Protein A as a Novel Prophylactic Means against Oncogenic HPV Infections.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection poses a significant health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), where limited healthcare access and awareness hinder vaccine accessibility. To identify alternative HPV targeting interventions, we previously reported on surfactant protein A (SP-A) as a novel molecule capable of recognising HPV16 pseudovirions (HPV16-PsVs) and reducing infection in a murine cervicovaginal HPV challenge model. Building on these findings, our current study aimed to assess SP-A's suitability as a broad-spectrum HPV-targeting molecule and its impact on innate immune responses. We demonstrate SP-A's ability to agglutinate and opsonise multiple oncogenic HPV-PsVs types, enhancing their uptake and clearance by RAW264.7 murine macrophages and THP-1 human-derived immune cells. The SP-A opsonisation of HPV not only led to increased lysosomal accumulation in macrophages and HaCaT keratinocytes but also resulted in a decreased infection of HaCaT cells, which was further decreased when co-cultured with innate immune cells. An analysis of human innate immune cell cytokine profiles revealed a significant inflammatory response upon SP-A exposure, potentially contributing to the overall inhibition of HPV infection. These results highlight the multi-layered impact of SP-A on HPV, innate immune cells and keratinocytes and lay the basis for the development of alternative prophylactic interventions against diverse HPV types.

Prevalence of HPV Genotypes among Greek Women in Association with Their Potential to Cause Precancerous Lesions.

The escalating global rates of precancerous lesions associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) types not targeted by current vaccines underscore the need to explore the prevalence of HPV types within the Greek female population and their involvement in precancerous lesion development. In the current study, we enrolled a cohort of 253 women aged 18 to 65 years, residing in Greece, who underwent routine screening in three tertiary care referral hospitals. Each participant completed a demographic questionnaire. An HPV DNA test was administered using the VisionArray® HPV kit (ZytoVision GmbH) to qualitatively detect and genotype 41 clinically relevant HPV genotypes. Of all 253 women examined, 114 (45.1%) tested positive for HPV DNA. The primary type detected was HPV51 (high-risk), present in 21 women (8.3% of the total), followed by HPV54 (low-risk) in 17 women (6.7%); HPV16 (high-risk) ranked third, identified in 14 women (5.5%). Among the HPV-positive women, 65 were positive for high-risk HPV types (57% of HPV-positive women) and were referred for colposcopy and cervical biopsy. These procedures identified 24 women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 1 (CIN1) lesions and 2 with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 (CIN2) lesions. The most prevalent HPV type among women with CIN1 lesions was HPV16, found in nine (37.5%) women, while HPV51 ranked second, identified in six (25%) women. Both women with CIN2 lesions tested positive for HPV16, whereas one of them was also tested positive for HPV45. Our study is the first to report the prevalence of HPV51 among HPV-positive women in the Greek female population. This highlights the need for further research to fully understand the potential of HPV types not covered by current vaccines, such as HPV51, to cause high-grade lesions or cervical cancer.

HPV Infections-Classification, Pathogenesis, and Potential New Therapies.

To date, more than 400 types of human papillomavirus (HPV) have been identified. Despite the creation of effective prophylactic vaccines against the most common genital HPVs, the viruses remain among the most prevalent pathogens found in humans. According to WHO data, they are the cause of 5% of all cancers. Even more frequent are persistent and recurrent benign lesions such as genital and common warts. HPVs are resistant to many disinfectants and relatively unsusceptible to external conditions. There is still no drug available to inhibit viral replication, and treatment is based on removing lesions or stimulating the host immune system. This paper presents the systematics of HPV and the differences in HPV structure between different genetic types, lineages, and sublineages, based on the literature and GenBank data. We also present the pathogenesis of diseases caused by HPV, with a special focus on the role played by E6, E7, and other viral proteins in the development of benign and cancerous lesions. We discuss further prospects for the treatment of HPV infections, including, among others, substances that block the entry of HPV into cells, inhibitors of viral early proteins, and some substances of plant origin that inhibit viral replication, as well as new possibilities for therapeutic vaccines.

Time to take HPV infection in colorectal cancer patients more seriously.

The association between viral infections and colorectal cancer (CRC) remains an enigma in cancer research. Certain types of Human Papillomaviruses (hr-HPVs), known for their oncogenic properties, have been observed in particular CRC biopsies, further adding to the enigma surrounding this association. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 40 confirmed cases of CRC adenocarcinoma. The presence and genotyping of HPV DNA in colorectal fresh tissue and urine samples was assessed using an HPV DNA hybridization kit. A subset of serum samples from both CRC cases and healthy volunteers was randomly chosen and subjected to western blot to investigate the presence of HPV16 E6/E7 oncoproteins carried by exosomes. It was observed that 26/40 HPV-positive CRC patients demonstrated 7 times more chance to develop colorectal cancer when compared to those 8/40 normal tissue (odds ratio [OR] = 7.4; confidence interval [CI] 95% = 0.483156-0.793718; p < 0.001). Of 26 HPV-positive CRC patients, 14 urine samples were also showed HPV DNA positivity (p = 0.013). High-risk HPV16 was the most prevalent genotype detected in both 24/40 tumor and 12/40 urine samples (p < 0.001). The tumor sample of a male was HPV45, while another male's urine sample was HPV31. A female CRC patient had HPV83 in tumor and HPV56 in urine. Here, was the first detection of HPV83 in a CRC patient. Notably among 20 randomly selected serum exosome samples, one serum sample concurrently tested positive for both HPV16 E6 and E7 oncoproteins, and one sample tested positive for HPV16 E7 oncoprotein. High risk HPV DNA detection in CRC urine samples supports non-invasive screening tools. Detection of HPV16 E6 and E7 oncoproteins in exosomes from serum samples shows potential for non-invasive diagnostics. HPV's potential role in CRC development is also underscored. HPV vaccination should be implemented in low- and middle-income countries to prevent cancer.

Immunogenicity and Safety of Extended-Interval 2-Dose Regimens of 9vHPV Vaccine.

Nine-valent human papillomavirus (9vHPV) vaccines can be administered in 2 doses 6 to 12 months apart in adolescents. The impact of extended dose intervals is unknown. We report immunogenicity and safety data in adolescents of a second 9vHPV vaccine dose administered ≥1 year after the first. This open-label safety and immunogenicity study (NCT04708041) assessed extended-interval 2-dose regimens of 9vHPV vaccine among adolescents (10 to 15 years) who received 2 9vHPV vaccine doses: the first ≥1 year before enrollment, and second, at enrollment (day 1). We measured serologic responses to vaccine-targeted human papillomavirus (HPV) types at enrollment day 1 (pre-dose 2) and 1 month post-dose 2 (month 1) using a competitive LuminexV® immunoassay. We estimated effects of dose interval on geometric mean titers (GMTs) using regression modeling. Participants reported adverse events (AEs) through 15 days after vaccination. We enrolled 146 adolescents (mean age 13.3 years) with median 25 months since first 9vHPV vaccine dose (range: 12-53 months). Across vaccine-targeted HPV types, GMTs increased from day 1 to month 1; seropositivity at month 1 was 100%. Anti-HPV GMTs at month 1 were not affected by differences in dose interval of 12 to 53 months, based on regression modeling. The most common AEs were mild-to-moderate injection site reactions; no serious AEs were reported. Extending the interval between first and second 9vHPV vaccine doses to 12 to 53 months did not affect antibody responses, with favorable safety profile. These results support feasibility of extended interval regimens for 9vHPV vaccine.

Commensal HPVs Have Evolved to Be More Immunogenic Compared with High-Risk α-HPVs.

Commensal human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are responsible for persistent asymptomatic infection in the human population by maintaining low levels of the episomal genome in the stratified epithelia. Herein, we examined the immunogenicity of cutaneotropic HPVs that are commonly found in the skin. Using an in silico platform to determine human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-peptide complex binding affinity, we observed that early genes of cutaneotropic HPV types within the same species can generate multiple conserved, homologous peptides that bind with high affinity to HLA class I alleles. Interestingly, we discovered that commensal β, γ, μ, and ν HPVs contain significantly more immunogenic peptides compared with α-HPVs, which include high-risk, oncogenic HPV types. Our findings indicate that commensal HPV proteins have evolved to generate peptides that better complement their host's HLA repertoire. Promoting higher control by host T cell immunity in this way could be a mechanism by which HPVs achieve widespread asymptomatic colonization in humans. This work supports the role of commensal HPVs as immunogenic targets within epithelial cells, which may contribute to the immune regulation of the skin and mucosa.

Molecular dynamics simulation and purification of chimeric L1/L2 protein from human papillomavirus type 52 expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3)

ABSTRACT The available prophylactic vaccines for human papillomavirus (HPV) in the market are only effective against specific types of HPV, rendering them ineffective for other types of HPV infections. The objective of this research is to investigate the stability of the recombinant protein constructed, namely chimeric L1/L2 protein from HPV type 52, with improved cross-neutralization ability. The 3D model, predicted using Alphafold, Robetta, I-Tasser, and refined with Galaxy Refinement, is validated using Ramachandran plot analysis. The stability is verified through molecular dynamics simulations, considering parameters such as RMSD, RMSF, Rg, and SASA, where stable conditions are observed. The chimeric L1/L2 protein from HPV type 52 is purified using affinity chromatography, and the His-tag is cleaved using SUMO protease to obtain pure chimeric protein with the size of ~ 55 kDa. Western blot analysis confirms binding to anti-L1 HPV type 52 polyclonal antibody. The obtained vaccine candidate can be utilized as an effective prophylactic vaccine against HPV.

A Systematic Review of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Challenges and Strategies to Enhance Uptake.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has revolutionized cervical cancer prevention. Clinical trials confirm that the quadrivalent (HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18) and bivalent (HPV types 16, 18) vaccines effectively prevent HPV infections and cervical neoplasia. The latest HPV vaccine protects against nine virus types responsible for 90% of cervical cancer cases globally. Despite their undoubted effectiveness in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with HPV infections, challenges in vaccine coverage and uptake persist. The current study aimed to identify the primary challenges associated with HPV vaccination, propose effective strategies to improve vaccination uptake, and compile relevant evidence into a comprehensive overview to inform policy and practice. A systematic review protocol, following PRISMA-P and PRISMA guidelines, was established. Articles were sourced from the Web of Science using keywords from a comprehensive review of HPV vaccination challenges and strategies. Studies published between 1 January 2020, and 1 May 2024, including RCTs and observational, qualitative, and cross-sectional studies, were included, while reviews, protocols, and commentaries were excluded. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened per PRISMA guidelines. The review identified five key strategies to improve HPV vaccination uptake: parental and school engagement, use of technology and multimedia tools, healthcare providers' role, multicomponent interventions, and targeted interventions for immigrant groups. This review emphasized the need for a multifaceted approach to improving vaccination rates, offering a robust foundation for policy and stakeholder initiatives.

Genetic variability of human papillomavirus type 18 based on E6, E7 and L1 genes in central China

BackgroundHigh-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection is an important factor for the development of cervical cancer. HPV18 is the second most common HR-HPV after HPV16.MethodsIn this study, MEGA11 software was used to analyze the variation and phylogenetic tree of HPV18 E6-E7 and L1 genes. The selective pressure to E6, E7 and L1 genes was estimated using pamlX. In addition, the B cell epitopes of L1 amino acid sequences and T cell epitopes of E6-E7 amino acid sequences in HPV18 were predicted by ABCpred server and IEDB website, respectively.ResultsA total of 9 single nucleotide variants were found in E6-E7 sequences, of which 2 were nonsynonymous variants and 7 were synonymous variants. Twenty single nucleotide variants were identified in L1 sequence, including 11 nonsynonymous variants and 9 synonymous variants. Phylogenetic analysis showed that E6-E7 and L1 sequences were all distributed in A lineage. In HPV18 E6, E7 and L1 sequences, no positively selected site was found. The nonconservative substitution R545C in L1 affected hypothetical B cell epitope. Two nonconservative substitutions, S82A in E6, and R53Q in E7, impacted multiple hypothetical T cell epitopes.ConclusionThe sequence variation data of HPV18 may lay a foundation for the virus diagnosis, further study of cervical cancer and vaccine design in central China.

Analysis of human papillomavirus type 16 E4, E5 and L2 gene variations among women with cervical infection in Xinjiang, China

BackgroundThere is a high incidence of cervical cancer in Xinjiang. Genetic variation in human papillomavirus may increase its ability to invade, spread, and escape host immune response.MethodsHPV16 genome was sequenced for 90 positive samples of HPV16 infection. Sequences of the E4, E5 and L2 genes were analysed to reveal sequence variation of HPV16 in Xinjiang and the distribution of variation among the positive samples of HPV16 infection.ResultsEighty-one of the 90 samples of HPV16 infection showed variation in HPV16 E4 gene with 18 nucleotide variation sites, of which 8 sites were synonymous variations and 11 missense variations. 90 samples of HPV16 infection showed variation in HPV16 E5 and L2 genes with 16 nucleotide variation sites (6 synonymous, 11 missense variations) in the E5 gene and 100 nucleotide variation sites in L2 gene (37 synonymous, 67 missense variations). The frequency of HPV16 L2 gene missense variations G3377A, G3599A, G3703A, and G3757A was higher in the case groups than in the control groups.ConclusionsPhylogenetic tree analysis showed that 87 samples were European strains, 3 cases were Asian strains, there were no other variations, and G4181A was related to Asian strains. HPV16 L2 gene missense variations G3377A, G3599A, G3703A, and G3757A were significantly more frequent in the case groups than in the control groups.

Evaluation of Intralesional Injection of Combined Furosemide and Digoxin Formula In Genital Warts

Abstract Background External genital warts (EGWs) are benign epidermal growths on the anogenital regions, which can occur in both women and men. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). More than 90% of cases of anogenital warts are caused by HPV types 6 and 11.There are several different ways to treat genital warts with varying degrees of success. However, till now no definitive treatment has emerged as the ideal standard of care in the treatment of genital warts and this has developed the need for new ways and modalities to help manage genital warts more efficiently. Objective To evaluate and verify efficacy, safety and tolerability of intralesional ionic anti-viral injection of combined furosemide and digoxin in treatment of multiple resistant genital warts. Patients and Methods This study included 30 patients divided into 2 groups, 15 patients each, the study group received intralesional injection of combined digoxin and furosemide, one injection every week for maximum 5 injection sessions (5 weeks). 0.3 ml of combined digoxin and furosemide solution was slowly injected into the base of each wart with maximum 5 warts in the session, and the other group received intralesional saline as a control group. Results Both groups demonstrated insignificant differences regarding all demographic characteristics (age, sex, size of warts before treatment, number of warts before treatment and number of sessions) as well as duration of disease. The treatment used in this study was safe and tolerable with no systemic exposure with regards to the cardiac system (by ECG before and after treatment). Future studies are recommended on larger number of the patients with multiple genital warts. It might be helpful to try increasing the number of treatment sessions, increasing the number of warts treated per session, decreasing the interval between the sessions or increasing the concentration of the active treatment. Conclusion Intralesional injection of combined digoxin and furosemide wasn’t effective intreatment of genital warts.

Transition of DNA-HPV over time in HPV-infected women: a 7-year cohort study

BACKGROUND Approximately 99% of cervical cancer cases worldwide are associated with one of the high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types. This study aimed to determine the transition rate of DNA-HPV over time in women aged 18–69 years with HPV infection in Can Tho City, Vietnam, from 2013 to 2020. METHODS The 2-phase cohort study was conducted on 213 women between 2013 and 2020. Phase 1 involved a retrospective cohort study (2013–2018), and phase 2 included a prospective cohort study (2018–2020). HPV testing was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction on cervical fluid. McNemar’s test was employed to compare differences in HPV transition between 2013 and 2020. RESULTS From 2013 to 2018, the transition, clearance, and non-transition rates were 17.1%, 65.8%, and 66.2%, respectively, revealing a significant difference in the number of HPV cases during this period (p = 0.007). From 2018 to 2020, the transition, clearance, and non-transition rates were 9.8%, 44.9%, and 82.2%, respectively. Overall, the DNA-HPV changes from 2013 to 2020 indicated rates of 14.3% for transition, 68.5% for clearance, and 67.1% for non-transition. A significant difference in HPV cases was found between 2013 and 2020 (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The longer duration resulted in a more significant difference in the DNA-HPV transition among HPV-infected women.

Acquired epidermodysplasia verruciformis in an HIV-positive patient

Epidermodysplasia verruciformis, or Lutz–Lewandowsky disease, is a rare genodermatosis, usually autosomal recessive, characterized by abnormal susceptibility to infection by certain types of human papillomavirus. There are hereditary and acquired forms. Immunocompromised people, such as HIV-positive patients and kidney transplant recipients, are at risk for acquired epidermodysplasia verruciformis. This pathology poses management problems, and variable responses are observed in different individuals. The prognosis of epidermodysplasia verruciformis is related to the oncogenic potential of certain types of human papillomavirus, inducing carcinomas in sun-exposed areas in 30% to 60% of cases. Tumors grow slowly or sometimes rapidly and are locally destructive. Lesions of epidermodysplasia verruciformis are refractory to conventional wart treatments, yet preventive treatments for complications and symptomatic treatments for lesions may be offered with regular follow-up. Herein, we report a case of acquired epidermodysplasia verruciformis in an HIV-positive patient. Key words: Epidermodysplasia verruciformis, Human papillomavirus, Human immunodeficiency virus, Immunosuppression, Genodermatosis

Variant analysis of human papillomavirus type 52 in Iranian women during 2018-2020: A case-control study.

Knowing the regional variants of distinct human papillomavirus (HPV) types is valuable as it can be beneficial for studying their epidemiology, pathogenicity, and evolution. For this reason, the sequence variations of the E6 gene of HPV 52 were investigated among women with normal cervical cytology and premalignant/malignant cervical samples. Sixty-four HPV 52-positive samples were analyzed using semi-nested PCR and sequencing. Our findings showed that all samples belonged to lineage A (61%) or B (39%). Among samples that were infected with the A lineage, sublineages A1 and A2 were detected and sublineage A1 was dominant. No association was found between lineages and stage of disease (p > 0.05). Our results revealed that the A lineage, sublineage A1, and B lineage were common in Iranian women. Nevertheless, more studies with larger sample sizes are required to estimate the pathogenicity risk of HPV 52 lineages in Iranian women with cervical cancer.

Aptima HPV Genotypes in Abnormal Cervical Samples in Different Age Groups - Implication on Vaccination Strategies.

Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) types is associated with high-grade cervical abnormalities. The aim of the study was to find most hr-HPV types causing persistent infection in abnormal cytological samples using Aptima HPV testing and discuss the compatibility of the Gardasil 9 vaccine in targeting most types. The study was conducted in a cytology laboratory in a tertiary hospital. This is a retrospective observational study. Cytology and HPV Aptima test reports were obtained for abnormal cervical samples for a 6-year period. Pearson Chi-square test. Reports of 2834 abnormal cervical samples were analyzed. Aptima testing was positive in 21% of samples, including 92% of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), 76.4% of the high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), 52% of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), 40% of adenocarcinoma (ADC), and 21% of atypical squamous cells that cannot exclude HSIL (ASC-H). The Aptima other hr-HPV group was most common (60%), HPV16 was 26%, HPV18/45 was 9.6%, and double HPV infection was 4.3%. HPV16 was the most common infection in HSIL+ cases. HPV infection was most common in age groups (30-39) and (40-49), and a shift to age groups (50-59) and ≥60 was seen in HSIL+ cases. This study is the first of its kind in correlating age with hr-HPV and cytology findings in the Middle East and adds to previous knowledge related to the prevalence and Aptima testing of HPV. The outcome could be used as a baseline for the Gardasil 9 vaccine and for the assessment of its effectiveness after three or five years from initiation.

VEGF as a Key Actor in Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis: A Narrative Review.

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a benign disease of the upper aerodigestive tract caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11. The clinical course is unpredictable and some patients, especially younger children, experience a high rate of recurrence with a significant impact on their quality of life. The molecular mechanisms of HPV infection in keratinocytes have been extensively studied throughout the years, with particular regard to its role in causing malignant tumors, like cervical cancer and head and neck carcinomas. A minor but not negligible amount of the literature has investigated the molecular landscape of RRP patients, and some papers have studied the role of angiogenesis (the growth of blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature) in this disease. A central role in this process is played by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which activates different signaling cascades on multiple levels. The increased knowledge has led to the introduction of the VEGF inhibitor bevacizumab in recent years as an adjuvant treatment in some patients, with good results. This review summarizes the current evidence about the role of VEGF in the pathophysiology of RRP, the molecular pathways activated by binding with its receptors, and the current and future roles of anti-angiogenic treatment.

The relationship between individuals' knowledge of human papillomavirus, attitudes towards HPV vaccination, and vaccine hesitancy: A cross-sectional study.

There are more than 207 types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), most of which do not cause symptoms, lesions, or warts, and cause more than 600,000 cases of cancer annually. Purpose:This study was planned to elucidate the relationship between individuals' HPV knowledge, attitudes towards the HPV vaccine, and vaccine hesitancy. The research was conducted with 1011 people using a descriptive and correlational research design. Data collection tools included socio-demographic information survey, HPV Knowledge Scale, Carolina HPV Vaccination Attitudes Scale, and Vaccine Hesitancy Scale. The data was analyzed using the SPSS 26.0 package program. The average score was 11.68±7.23 on the HPV Knowledge Scale, 30.76±7.31 on the HPV Vaccine Attitude Scale, and 27.90±11.10 on the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale. While there was a very weak negative relationship between the participants HPV knowledge and HPV Vaccine Attitude scores, a weak positive relationship was found with vaccine hesitancy. A weak positive relationship was also detected between vaccine attitude and vaccine hesitancy (p<0.05). According to the regression model created in the study, HPV vaccination attitude was explained by the HPV Knowledge Scale and vaccine hesitancy at a rate of 22.5%. In line with the results, healthcare professionals need to raise awareness in the society and increase vaccination rates.

Cationic Liposomes Carrying HPV16 E6-siRNA Inhibit the Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Cervical Cancer Cells.

The E6 and E7 oncoproteins of high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) are crucial for the development of cervical cancer (CC). Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are explored as novel therapies that silence these oncogenes, but their clinical use is hampered by inefficient delivery systems. Modification (pegylation) with polyethylene glycol (PEG) of liposomal siRNA complexes (siRNA lipoplexes) may improve systemic stability. We studied the effect of siRNA targeting HPV16 E6, delivered via cationic liposomes (lipoplexes), on cellular processes in a cervical carcinoma cell line (CaSki) and its potential therapeutic use. Lipoplexes-PEG-HPV16 E6, composed of DOTAP, Chol, DOPE, and DSPE-PEG2000 were prepared. The results showed that pegylation (5% DSPE-PEG2000) provided stable siRNA protection, with a particle size of 86.42 ± 3.19 nm and a complexation efficiency of over 80%; the siRNA remained stable for 30 days. These lipoplexes significantly reduced HPV16 E6 protein levels and restored p53 protein expression, inhibiting carcinogenic processes such as proliferation by 25.74%, migration (95.7%), and cell invasion (97.8%) at concentrations of 20 nM, 200 nM, and 80 nM, respectively. In conclusion, cationic lipoplexes-PEG-HPV16 E6 show promise as siRNA carriers for silencing HPV16 E6 in CC.