Papillomaviruses belong to the family Papillomaviridae and their life cycle is directly linked to the differentiation of host epithelial cells. They have six genes that are expressed earlier and two genes that are expressed later in their life cycle, named respectively E (early) and L (late). Host cell viral DNA can take two forms: episomal and integrated. The human papillomavirus (HPV) targets the basal cells of squamous epithelia, particularly from the genital area, which is associated with uterine cervix carcinoma. In the oral area HPV is associated with oral squamous papilloma, condyloma acuminatum, verruca vulgaris, and focal epithelial hyperplasia. However, its role in oral carcinogenesis is still controversial. Moreover, it has identified as an etiological agent of some head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. HPV infection may act synergistically with carcinogens such as tobacco and alcohol. At least 150 different subtypes of HPV have been identified, of which 25 types have been detected in oral lesions. Considering the relevance of the topic for better understanding of HPV oral infection, the objective of this update is to review relevant aspects of HPV biology, with emphasis on HPV-keratinocytes relationship and the importance of clinical and histopathological aspects in the diagnosis of oral lesions possibly associated with HPV.
Human papillomavirus; Biology; Pathology; Oral lesions
