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Human Papillomavirus

Sexually Transmitted Viruses Unit Head: Dr John V. Parry
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) R&D Section Head: Dr Simon Beddows

The HPV R&D Section of the Sexually Transmitted Viruses Unit is a recent initiative to coincide with the development of a prophylactic HPV vaccine to prevent HPV-induced cervical cancer. The HPV R&D team is involved in both population-based surveillance studies and translational research projects. We do not currently provide a routine HPV genotyping service.

The recent development of highly immunogenic prophylactic vaccines by both GlaxoSmithKline (Cervarix TM ) and Merck (Gardasil TM ) offers real hope to reduce the impact that this very common sexually transmitted virus has on human health. Both vaccines target the two commonest High Risk (HR) genotypes (16 and 18), which are associated with the development of cervical cancer, while Gardasil TM also targets the two Low Risk types (6 and 11) which are associated with the development of genital warts. However, as immune reactivity to HPV is predominantly type-specific and the two HR HPV types found in the vaccines account for only ~70% of the associated cervical cancers, the contribution of other HR HPV types to the incidence of cervical cancers in the face of such vaccines is likely to be significant.

The HPV R&D Section, in conjunction with epidemiologists, modellers and scientists elsewhere within the Health Protection Agency, seeks to acquire robust baseline (i.e. pre-vaccination) HPV genotypic and sero-epidemiological data from within the UK in order to predict the likely impact of the introduction of an HPV vaccine on cervical cancer rates. We also intend to widen the scope of these investigations beyond national and regional boundaries, to facilitate co-operation with clinical laboratories in developing countries in order to improve the research, surveillance and monitoring capacity on an international footing. This is a multicentre programme bringing together expertise from within the Health Protection Agency as well as fostering collaborations with The NHS Cervical Cancer Screening Programme and the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control.

Other research and development themes include (i) assay development for frontline clinics and resource poor countries, (ii) attempting to delineate mechanisms of HPV pathogenesis and (iii) assessing the consequences of HIV / HPV co-infection.

Last Updated: July 2007


Last reviewed: 24 February 2010