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The Role of Immune Modulation in the Carcinogenesis and Treatment of HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer

  • Nicole C. Schmitt
  • Robert L. Ferris
  • Seungwon KimEmail author
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Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is increasingly identified as a causative agent for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), often in relatively young patients lacking traditional carcinogenic risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use. A growing body of literature has highlighted the importance of immune impairment in the pathogenesis of HPV-related premalignant and malignant lesions in the uterine cervix and, more recently, the oropharynx. This chapter will summarize current knowledge of the mechanisms that human papillomaviruses have evolved to evade the host immune system in the development of malignancy and will conclude with a discussion on preventive and therapeutic strategies that exploit these immune modulatory mechanisms.

Keywords

Natural Killer Cell Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Tonsillar Crypt Immune Checkpoint Pathway 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015

Authors and Affiliations

  • Nicole C. Schmitt
    • 1
  • Robert L. Ferris
    • 1
  • Seungwon Kim
    • 1
    Email author
  1. 1.Department of OtolaryngologyEye & Ear Institute, University of PittsburghPittsburghUSA

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