PYHIN Proteins and HPV: Role in the Pathogenesis of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Giuseppe Riva; Matteo Biolatti; Giancarlo Pecorari; Valentina Dell'Oste; Santo Landolfo

doi:10.3390/microorganisms8010014

PYHIN Proteins and HPV: Role in the Pathogenesis of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Microorganisms. 2019 Dec 20;8(1):14. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms8010014.

Authors

Giuseppe Riva¹, Matteo Biolatti², Giancarlo Pecorari¹, Valentina Dell'Oste², Santo Landolfo²

Affiliations

¹ Otorhinolaryngology Division, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy.
² Laboratory of Pathogenesis of Viral Infections, Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy.

Abstract

In the last decades, the human papillomavirus (HPV) emerged as an etiological cause of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), especially in the oropharynx. The role of two intracellular DNA sensors, which belong to the PYHIN family (interferon-inducible protein 16 (IFI16) and absent in melanoma 2 protein (AIM2)), has been analyzed in relation to HPV infection and head and neck carcinogenesis. In particular, IFI16 and AIM2 expression depends on HPV infection in HNSCC. They represent viral restriction factors and are key components of the intrinsic immunity activated against different viruses, including HPV. This review analyzed and summarized the recent findings about the role of PYHIN proteins in HPV⁺ and HPV^- HNSCC.

Keywords: AIM2; HPV; IFI16; PYHIN proteins; head and neck cancer.

Publication types

Review

Abstract

Publication types

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