Adaptive immune resistance in HPV-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) variants associated with head and neck cancer generally induce a robust immune response. Despite the establishment of such an inflammatory microenvironment, HPV is able to persist and promote malignant transformation. The PD-1:PD-L1 immune checkpoint may play a critical role in the creation of an immunoprivileged site for viral persistence and the subsequent development of cancer. © 2013 Landes Bioscience.