Human Papilloma Virus' Life Cycle and Carcinogenesis.

RATIONALE: Considering that the loss of cell cycle and apoptosis control constitutes a central event in human papilloma virus' (HPV)-mediated carcinogenesis, the reason of this study is to insight to the HPV life cycle. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study is to analyze the HPV molecular biology and cervical cancer association. METHODS AND RESULTS: Brief review of current literature on the HPV life cycle and cervical carcinogenesis. DISCUSSION: Among the HPV associated cancers, cervical cancer still ranks number two in the global cancer incidence of women. A central component of the association between HPV and cervical carcinogenesis is the ability of HPV to persist in the lower genital tract for long periods of time without being cleared because of its evasion mechanisms.