T cell epitopes in human papilloma virus proteins.

Infection by HPV is associated with several human diseases such as warts of the skin, condylomata of the genital track and carcinoma of the cervix. Although there is strong evidence for immune control of HPV types causing warts and condylomata, it is currently unclear whether patients infected with transforming HPV types can mount efficient T cell responses. Despite the apparent low immunogenicity of transforming HPV types, several Th and CTL epitopes have been identified in proteins derived from HPV16. This transforming virus is most frequently present in women with CIN and cervical carcinoma and knowledge of T cell recognisable proteins may eventually lead to the design of immune-stimulating anti-HPV16 vaccines.