Presence of HPV 16 and HPV 18 in Spermatozoa and Embryos of Mice

Abstract

Background/aim: Sperm cells are competent to integrate exogenous DNA into their genome. We sought to clarify Human Pappiloma Virus (HPV) internalization in spermatozoa and early preimplantation embryos.

Materials and methods: Sperm was incubated with plasmid vectors containing the complete genome of human HPV 16 and HPV 18 tagged with the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene, to investigate HPV 16 and HPV 18 integration in mouse spermatozoa. Oocytes were in vitro fertilized with preincubated spermatozoa to investigate HPV 16 and HPV 18 potential transfer to mouse embryos.

Results: Spermatozoa were able to internalize constructs of cloned high-risk HPV either as integrated or as episomal DNA. Constructs of cloned HPV can also be transferred to mouse embryos, through in vitro fertilization of the oocytes by mouse spermatozoa.

Conclusion: Viral DNA transmission to the early mouse embryo via sperm, highlights the effect of HPV in reproductive cells and preimplantation development.

Keywords: Human Pappiloma Virus; embryos; mouse; spermatozoa.