| Abstract |
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a small, non-enveloped, circular double-stranded DNA virus with a unique predilection for epithelial tissues. It is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases among women. To date, more than 200 different HPV genotypes have been identified, with most HPV infections being clinically asymptomatic. HPV can be classified into high-risk (HR-HPV) and low-risk (LR-HPV) types. The low-risk group, which includes HPV11 and HPV6, is primarily associated with the development of genital warts, while the high-risk group, such as HPV18 and HPV16, is strongly linked to the development of cervical cancer. Persistent infection with HR-HPV is closely associated with the progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer, making cervical malignancy the only preventable and causally linked tumor. Prophylactic HPV vaccines have been widely used in clinical practice, while therapeutic HPV vaccines are currently in the clinical trial phase [1]. Currently, there are multiple methods available for treating HR-HPV infection of the cervix, including physical, pharmacological, and surgical interventions, as well as HPV vaccine interventions. Due to the immune evasion capability of HPV, traditional treatment approaches suffer from drawbacks such as long treatment periods, high recurrence rates, multiple surgeries, cervical dysfunction, and miscarriages. Thus, there is currently a lack of practical and effective treatment methods. This review provides an overview of the mechanisms underlying high-risk HPV infection of the cervix, as well as the current status and advancements in treatment approaches in recent years
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