Dear Colleagues,

HPV is still the most frequent sexually transmitted pathogens worldwide. Although a majority of infections are asymptomatic and in most cases the virus becomes undetectable within two years of exposure, persistent infections with carcinogenic types of HPV can result in the development of cervical cancer and other HPV-associated malignancies such as vaginal, vulvar, penile, and anal cancers, as well as nasopharyngeal cancers. The identification of risk factors that can increase the probability of developing persistent HPV infections in certain populations has been an important topic of research, and accumulating evidence indicates that genetic and lifestyle factors, and likely co-infection with other microorganisms may, at least in part, interfere with the ability of the host immune system to achieve an effective “viral clearance”.

Cervical cancer screening programs based on cytological and/or detection of HPV DNA, HPV mRNA, or other viral markers have contributed to a dramatic decline in the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer in developed countries; however, current screening programs in low-income countries have failed to achieve a major impact on disease prevention. As a result, worldwide mortality of cervical cancer is about 300,000 cases each year, with nearly 90% of deaths occurring in developing countries.

The development and licensure of prophylactic HPV vaccines capable of eliciting effective immunity through the production of high titers of anti-HPV IgG neutralizing antibodies is increasing. These licensed vaccines are safe and highly effective against the most common oncogenic HPV types associated with cervical cancer and anogenital cancers, and are likely to prevent HPV+ oropharyngeal cancers; furthermore, HPV vaccination has significantly reduced the incidence of genital warts. However, coverage of HPV vaccines is a major limitation and is especially in low-income countries; HPV vaccines are not available through national immunization programs, and thus cost is a critical barrier for the delivery of HPV immunization in developing countries.

This Issue will highlight recent advances in the understating of HPV-induced neoplasms, with an emphasis on topics related to the diagnosis, prevention, and management of these disorders. We welcome the submission of original research articles encompassing both preclinical and clinical studies, as well as review and opinion articles dealing with but are not limited to the following: (1) new insights into HPV-induced carcinogenesis, (2) screening tools in HPV-associated cancers, (3) prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines in HPV-induced cancers, (4) the impact of co-infection with other microorganisms in HPV-induced cancers, (5) microbiota and HPV infection, (6) utilization of artificial intelligence tools for the diagnosis and management of HPV-associated neoplasms, (7) the application of new-generation sequencing for understanding HPV-induced cancers, (8) new antiviral agents for the eradication of HPV infection, (8) studies elucidating the natural history of HPV infection, and (9) biosimilar HPV vaccines.

We would welcome the direct submission of original research that meets the above criteria—please submit directly via MDPI Microorganisms, stating in your cover letter that you are targeting this Special Issue, or email your pre-submission queries if you are not sure about the suitability of your work.

Dr. Jorge Luis Espinoza
Guest Editor

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