Abstract
Infection by human papillomaviruses (HPV), especially type 16 and 18, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer. HPV early proteins, such as E7 of HPV 16, are constantly expressed in cervical cancers. Thus, induction of HPV-specific antibodies or cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses will prevent HPV infection or eliminate HPV-containing premalignant cells or malignant cervical cancer cells. Recent advances in virology, immunology and molecular biology have allowed the development of novel vaccines, such as genetic vaccines and genetically modified tumour cells. We have explored these approaches to induce HPV-specific immune responses (antibody and CTL responses). In this study, we will review some of the data obtained from our laboratory and discuss their potential use in humans.