Immunohistochemical evaluation of the proteins TLR4, p16Ink4a, p21 and p27 in HPV-associated oral lesions and a possible association to Candida infection

• Grant number: 13/05430-3
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: May 01, 2014
• End date: April 30, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Suzana Cantanhede Orsini Machado de Sousa
• Grantee: Suzana Cantanhede Orsini Machado de Sousa
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia (FO). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

HPV is associated to many oral lesions including oral cancer and oral potentially malignant lesions. Oncogenic proteins of the HPV are known to have interfere in the cell cycle, acting in the expression of cell cycle proteins such as cyclin kinases, p21, p27 and p16. Also, the HPV appears to cause downregulation of TLR4, a crucial receptor to fungus recognition. Oral lesions such as oral papilloma, acuminated condiloma, oral squamous cell carcinoma and oro-pharyngeal carcinoma are know to be associated to Candida hyphae in many instances. Probably, Candida, an oportunistic microorganism, will show up due to a depletion of the receptor that recognizes it. Thus, in the present study the expression of the cell cycle proteins p16, p21, p27 and also TLR4 receptor will be evaluated in HPV-associated oral lesions, together with the presence of Candida. (AU)