Proteases and HPV-Induced Carcinogenesis

Author(s)

Vieira, Gabriel Viliod ; Somera dos Santos, Fernanda ; Lepique, Ana Paula ; da Fonseca, Carol Kobori ; Innocentini, Lara Maria Alencar Ramos ; Braz-Silva, Paulo Henrique ; Quintana, Silvana Maria ; Sales, Katiuchia Uzzun

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: CANCERS; v. 14, n. 13, p. 25-pg., 2022-07-01.

Abstract

Simple Summary Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a sexually transmitted disease with high prevalence worldwide. Although most HPV infections do not lead to cancer, some HPV types are correlated with the majority of cervical cancers, and with some anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers. Moreover, enzymes known as proteases play an essential role in the pathogenic process in HPV-induced carcinogenesis. This review highlights the role of proteases and recent epidemiological data regarding HPV-dependent carcinogenesis. Persistent infection with Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main etiologic factor for pre-malignant and malignant cervical lesions. Moreover, HPV is also associated with oropharynx and other anogenital carcinomas. Cancer-causing HPV viruses classified as group 1 carcinogens include 12 HPV types, with HPV 16 and 18 being the most prevalent. High-risk HPVs express two oncoproteins, E6 and E7, the products of which are responsible for the inhibition of p53 and pRB proteins, respectively, in human keratinocytes and cellular immortalization. p53 and pRB are pleiotropic proteins that regulate the activity of several signaling pathways and gene expression. Among the important factors that are augmented in HPV-mediated carcinogenesis, proteases not only control processes involved in cellular carcinogenesis but also control the microenvironment. For instance, genetic polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) are associated with carcinoma invasiveness. Similarly, the serine protease inhibitors hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor-1 (HAI-1) and -2 (HAI-2) have been identified as prognostic markers for HPV-dependent cervical carcinomas. This review highlights the most crucial mechanisms involved in HPV-dependent carcinogenesis, and includes a section on the proteolytic cascades that are important for the progression of this disease and their impact on patient health, treatment, and survival. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/06316-2 - Genetic epistasis analysis of matriptase-depedent proteolytic pathway in head and neck cancer
• Grantee: Katiuchia Uzzun Sales
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/04896-5 - Proteolytic Profile Modulation in Patients with Cervical High Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion and in Cervical Carcinoma Cell Line.
• Grantee: Katiuchia Uzzun Sales
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/16989-5 - The effect of the tumor microenvironment on myeloid cells.
• Grantee: Ana Paula Lepique
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants