Beta human papillomaviruses and skin cancer

In a new Comment published in the journal Nature, scientists from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and partner institutions highlight a possible new link between infections and human carcinogenesis.

The authors highlight the potential role of some beta human papillomaviruses (β-HPVs) in promoting, together with ultraviolet light and potentially other co-carcinogens, the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. They posit that β-HPVs play a role in the early stages of development of human skin cancer but become less important or unimportant in later stages of development.

Lambert PF, Münger K, Rösl F, Hasche D, Tommasino M.
Matters Arising: Beta human papillomaviruses and skin cancer
Nature, Published online 16 December 2020;
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-3023-0

Read the Comment