A postulated role for human papillomavirus (HPV) in the transformation and proliferation of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the sixth most common malignancy and is a major cause of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide. A strong association of oral cancer with high-risk HPVs infection underlines the importance of the virus in the pathogenesis of these squamous cell carcinomas. We postulate that HPV may contribute to the carcinogenesis of oral epithelial and function to stimulate transformation and proliferation of OSCC. The appropriate method, which may involve immunoprevention, immunotherapy, or immunomodulatory, needs to be developed. Not only humoral immunity, but also cellular immunity must be part of this process.