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Immunosuppression increases the risk of cancers that are associated with viral infection1. In particular, the risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin-which has been associated with beta human papillomavirus (β-HPV) infection-is increased by more than 100-fold in immunosuppressed patients2-4. Previous studies have not established a causative role for HPVs in driving the development of skin cancer. Here we show that T cell immunity against commensal papillomaviruses suppresses skin cancer in immunocompetent hosts, and the loss of this immunity-rather than the oncogenic effect of HPVs-causes the markedly increased risk of skin cancer in immunosuppressed patients. To investigate the effects of papillomavirus on carcinogen-driven skin cancer, we colonized several strains of immunocompetent mice with mouse papillomavirus type 1 (MmuPV1)5. Mice with natural immunity against MmuPV1 after colonization and acquired immunity through the transfer of T cells from immune mice or by MmuPV1 vaccination were protected against skin carcinogenesis induced by chemicals or by ultraviolet radiation in a manner dependent on CD8+ T cells. RNA and DNA in situ hybridization probes for 25 commensal β-HPVs revealed a significant reduction in viral activity and load in human skin cancer compared with the adjacent healthy skin, suggesting a strong immune selection against virus-positive malignant cells. Consistently, E7 peptides from β-HPVs activated CD8+ T cells from unaffected human skin. Our findings reveal a beneficial role for commensal viruses and establish a foundation for immune-based approaches that could block the development of skin cancer by boosting immunity against the commensal HPVs present in all of our skin.

// Sujita Khanal 1 , Brian S. Shumway 2 , Maryam Zahin 3 , Rebecca A. Redman 3, 4 , John D. Strickley 3, 4 , Patrick J. Trainor 3 , Shesh N. Rai 3 , Shin-je Ghim 3 , Alfred Bennett Jenson 3 and Joongho Joh 3, 4, 5 1 Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA 2 Department of Surgical and Hospital Dentistry, University of Louisville School of Dentistry, Louisville, KY, USA 3 James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA 4 Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA 5 Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA Correspondence to: Joongho Joh, email: joongho.joh@louisville.edu Keywords: human papillomavirus (HPV); HPV integration; HPV methylation; high-grade oral epithelial dysplasia (hgOED); head and neck cancer Received: April 10, 2018 Accepted: May 25, 2018 Published: July 13, 2018 ABSTRACT This study evaluated the integration and methlyation of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and its oral precursor, high-grade oral epithelial dysplasia (hgOED). Archival samples of HPV16-positive hgOED ( N = 19) and HNSCC ( N = 15) were evaluated, along with three HNSCC (UMSCC-1, -47 and -104) and two cervical cancer (SiHa and CaSki) cell lines. HgOED cases were stratified into three groups with increasing degrees of cytologic changes (mitosis, karyorrhexis and apoptosis). The viral load was higher and the E2/E6 ratio lower (indicating a greater tendency toward viral integration) in group 3 than in groups 1 or 2 ( p = 0.002, 0.03). Methylation was not observed in hgOED cases and occurred variably in only three HNSCC cases (26.67%, 60.0% and 93.3%). In HNSCC cell lines, lower E7 expression correlated with higher levels of methylation. HgOED with increased cytologic change, now termed HPV-associated oral epithelial dysplasia (HPV-OED), exhibited an increased viral load and a tendency toward DNA integration, suggesting a potentially increased risk for malignant transformation. More detailed characterization and clinical follow-up of HPV-OED patients is needed to determine whether HPV-OED is a true precursor to HPV-associated HNSCC and to clarify the involvement of HPV in HNSCC carcinogenesis.

Objectives To compare the outcomes and toxicity of high-dose cisplatin (HDC) versus weekly cisplatin (WC) definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for patients with human papillomavirus (HPV) related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCCOPx). Methods All patients with p16 positive SCCOPx treated with definitive CRT with cisplatin between 2010 and 2014 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. CTCAE v 4.03 toxicity criteria were used. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate event-free survival (EFS) and the overall survival (OS). Results Of the 55 patients included, 22 were patients treated with HDC at dose of 100 mg/m2 on days 1 and 22; and the remaining 33 patients were treated with WC at 40 mg/m2. Both cohorts received a median total dose of cisplatin of 200 mg/m2. At median follow-up of 31 months, there was one local failure and no distant failures in the HDC cohort. In the WC group, there were 6 total failures (2 local, 4 distant). Estimated 2-year EFS was better in HDC cohort as compared to WC (96% vs. 75%; p = 0.04). There was no significant difference in 2-year OS (95% vs. 94%; p = 0.40). Weight loss, gastric tube dependence at six months, acute renal injury and grade 3 or 4 hematological toxicity were all similar between both groups. Conclusions HPV-related SCCOPx treated with definitive CRT with either HDC or WC had similar toxicity profile. HDC had better EFS when compared with WC and this seems to be driven by increased distant failure rates, although the OS was similar.

The biologic griffithsin (GRFT) has recently emerged as a candidate to safely prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). However, to date, there are few delivery platforms that are available to effectively deliver biologics to the female reproductive tract (FRT). The goal of this work was to evaluate rapid-release polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) fibers that incorporate GRFT in in vitro (HIV-1 and HSV-2) and in vivo (HSV-2) infection models. GRFT loading was determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the bioactivity of GRFT fibers was assessed using in vitro HIV-1 pseudovirus and HSV-2 plaque assays. Afterwards, the efficacy of GRFT fibers was assessed in a murine model of lethal HSV-2 infection. Finally, murine reproductive tracts and vaginal lavage samples were evaluated for histology and cytokine expression, 24 and 72 h after fiber administration, to determine safety. All rapid-release formulations achieved high levels of GRFT incorporation and were completely efficacious against in vitro HIV-1 and HSV-2 infections. Importantly, all rapid-release GRFT fibers provided potent protection in a murine model of HSV-2 infection. Moreover, histology and cytokine levels, evaluated from collected murine reproductive tissues and vaginal lavage samples treated with blank fibers, showed no increased cytokine production or histological aberrations, demonstrating the preliminary safety of rapid-release GRFT fibers in vaginal tissue.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide. The antiviral lectin, Griffithsin (GRFT), has been shown to be both safe and efficacious against HSV-2 and HIV-1 infections in vivo. The goal of this work was to develop a multilayered nanoparticle (NP)-electrospun fiber (EF) composite to provide sustained-release of GRFT, and to examine its safety and efficacy in a murine model of lethal HSV-2 infection. Composites were fabricated from polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers surrounding polyethylene oxide (PEO) fibers that incorporated methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (mPEG-PLGA) GRFT NPs. GRFT loading and release were determined via ELISA, showing that NP-EF composites achieved high GRFT loading, and provided sustained-release of GRFT for up to 90 d. The in vitro efficacy of GRFT NP-EFs was assessed using HIV-1 pseudovirus assays, demonstrating complete in vitro protection against HIV-1 infection. Additionally, sustained-release NP-EFs, administered 24 hr prior to infection, prevented against a lethal dose of HSV-2 infection in a murine model. In parallel, histology and cytokine expression from murine reproductive tracts and vaginal lavages collected 24 and 72 hr post-administration were similar to untreated mice, suggesting that NP-EF composites may be a promising and safe sustained-delivery platform to prevent HSV-2 infection. Future work will evaluate the ability to provide prolonged protection against multiple virus challenges, and different administration times with respect to infection.

Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) etiology has become evident in head and neck cancers (HNCs) and HPV positivity showed a strong association with its malignant progression. Since aberrant DNA methylation is known to drive carcinogenesis and progression in HNCs, we investigated to determine target gene(s) associated with this modification. Methods We characterized epigenetic changes in tumor-related genes (TRGs) that are known to be associated with HNC development and its progression. Results The expression levels of 42 candidate HNC-associated genes were analyzed. Of these, 7 TGRs (CHFR, RARβ, GRB7, EREG, RUNX2, RUNX3, and SMG-1) showed decreased expressions in HPV-positive (+) HNC cells compared with HPV-negative (−) HNC cells. When gene expression levels were compared corresponding to the DNA methylation conditions, GRB7 and EREG showed significant differential expression between HPV+ and HPV− cells, which suggested these genes as primary targets of epigenetic regulation in HPV-induced carcinogenesis. Furthermore, treatment with a demethylation agent, 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dc), caused restoration of EREG expression and was associated with hypomethylation of its promoter in HPV+ cells, while no changes was noted in HPV− cells. EREG promoter hypermethylation in HPV+ cells was confirmed using methylation-specific PCR (MS-PCR). Conclusion We conclude that EREG is the target of epigenetic regulation in HPV+ HNCs and its suppressed expression through promoter hypermethylation is associated with the development of HPV-associated HNCs.

Heavy alcohol drinking causes alterations in the metabolism of fatty acids and zinc that participate in inflammation and liver injury. HIV infection has been reported to cause dysregulated polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and zinc metabolism. In this pilot study, we examined the role of dysregulated PUFA metabolism and zinc deficiency in the liver injury occurring in heavy drinkers with early-stage HIV diagnosis. Fourteen heavy drinking alcohol-dependent (AD) patients [seven with treatment-naive HIV diagnosis (AD+HIV) and seven without HIV infection (AD)] participated in this study. Liver injury, serum zinc, PUFAs, viral load, CD4(+) count, and drinking measures using lifetime drinking history (LTDH), and timeline follow-back past 90 days (TLFB90) were evaluated. Liver injury was also assessed in seven age- and gender-matched socially drinking HIV treatment-naive patients who served as disease controls. HIV viral load by itself did not show any correlation with liver injury. Liver enzymes were significantly elevated in both AD+HIV and AD patients, and AD+HIV patients had significantly higher alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels than did AD patients, even with lower drinking. Serum zinc was significantly lower in AD+HIV patients. Only AD+HIV patients showed a significant elevation in linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linoleic acid (ALA) levels. Serum zinc and ALT, LA and ALT, and ALA and ALT were significantly associated only in AD+HIV patients. The association between LA and ALT showed a higher effect than did the ALA and ALT association in the AD+HIV patients. Interestingly, AD+HIV subjects (who drank less), nevertheless, showed more liver injury compared with AD patients, who reported heavier drinking. We speculate that the underlying proinflammatory response resulting from zinc deficiency and an elevation in serum LA likely contributed to liver injury in AD+HIV patients, even with a comparatively lower degree of heavy drinking.

Few papers have had a greater impact on the health of the human species than the simple, yet elegant, observations and clinical trials of Edward Jenner with what was at the time called the Cow Pox. In fact, this was a naturally attenuated rodent (probably rat) pox that could infect horses and, through farriers and farm hands, dairy cattle. While commonly called the Cow Pox at the time, Jenner's transmission studies between humans used infectious materials from horses. His methods provided protection from the serious effects of smallpox infections. In 1977, smallpox was considered to be eradicated, although people continue to be infected by pox viruses from other mammalian species. We consider this to be our 'favorite historical paper' because it emphasizes careful clinical observation followed by relatively simple clinical testing can have a profound influence on human health, even when almost nothing is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms. Continued follow-up with strict attention to detail resulted in a crude but effective way to deal with an epidemic, methods still used today for containing infectious diseases.

Correctly folded virus-like particles (VLPs) of papillomavirus (PV) display conformationally dependent epitopes that are type specific, maintained on authentic virions, and induce neutralizing antibodies. Alignment of the L1 amino acid (aa) sequences of 84 PVs revealed that the lengths of their N-termini are diverse and that multiple, possible initiation methionine (met) codons exist. The L1 gene of MusPV (MmuPV1), that naturally infects immunodeficient laboratory mouse strain (NMRI- Foxn1 nu / Foxn1 nu ), has four met codons at the 1st, 2nd, 28th, and 30th aas from its N-terminus. Of these, the 3rd and 4th mets, that are at the 28th and 30th aa position from the N-termius, respectively, are located at the position where most PVs have their first met. These two mets, located at the 9th and 11th from the YLPP conserved aas of most PVs, should be considered as consensus initiation codons of PV L1s. Three L1 proteins of MusPV, starting from the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th mets, were expressed using a baculovirus expression system and characterized for their ability to self-assemble into VLPs. While MusPV L1 proteins starting from the 2nd met expressed an L1 protein that did not fold into VLPs, the L1s starting from the 3rd and 4th mets generated correct VLPs in abundant quantities. We now conclude that the highest quantity and best quality VLPs are made from the consensus L1 met of MusPV.

Rb1 restricts cell cycle progression, and it imposes cell contact inhibition to suppress tumor outgrowth. It also triggers oncogene-induced senescence to block Ras mutation. Loss of the Rb1 pathway, which is a hallmark of cancer cells, then provides a permissive environment for Ras mutation, and Ras is sufficient for invasive tumor formation in Rb1 family mutant mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs). These results demonstrate that sequential mutation of the Rb1 and Ras pathways comprises a tumor initiation axis. Both Rb1 and Ras regulate expression of the transcription factor ZEB1, thereby linking tumor initiation to the subsequent invasion and metastasis, which is induced by ZEB1. ZEB1 acts in a negative feedback loop to block expression of miR-200, which is thought to facilitate tumor invasion and metastasis. However, ZEB1 also represses cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk) inhibitors to control the cell cycle; its mutation in MEFs leads to induction of these inhibitors and premature senescence. Here, we provide evidence for two sequential inductions of ZEB1 during Ras transformation of MEFs. Rb1 constitutively represses cdk inhibitors, and induction of ZEB1 when the Rb1 pathway is lost is required to maintain this repression, allowing for the classic immortalization and loss of cell contact inhibition seen when the Rb1 pathway is lost. In vivo, we show that this induction of ZEB1 is required for Ras-initiated tumor formation. ZEB1 is then further induced by Ras, beyond the level seen with Rb1 mutation, and this Ras superinduction is required to reach a threshold of ZEB1 sufficient for repression of miR-200 and tumor invasion.

Genital epithelial tumors of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus [Tt]) and Burmeister's porpoises (Phocoena spinipinnis) were formerly shown to be associated with papillomavirus (PV) infection. Papillomaviruses are highly prevalent viruses involved in the development of various tumor types in a wide range of animals, and so-called high-risk PVs contribute to malignant progression. In marine mammals, the incidence and prevalence of PV infection, transmission pathways, and persistence of infection are largely unknown. Using virus-like particles of bottlenose dolphin PV type 1 (TtPV1) as the antigen, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) studies were conducted to evaluate PV antibody prevalence in bottlenose dolphins. In total, sera obtained from 115 dolphins were examined. Fifty-one percent of captive dolphins (n=18 of 35) and 90% of free-ranging dolphins (n=72 of 80) were antibody positive. Higher ELISA reactivity was observed among males compared with females. Sexually immature dolphins appeared more likely to seroconvert with age. Besides determining their PV antibody prevalence, each animal was also assessed for the presence of orogenital tumors. Interestingly, the mean age of free-ranging dolphins with tumors (n=21) was 11.2 yr compared with 29.9 yr in captive dolphins with tumors (n=9). Results from the current study suggest PV infection in bottlenose dolphins is common, that the main route of PV transmission among them may be horizontal, and that orogenital neoplasia may develop in early life stages of certain free-ranging bottlenose dolphins.

Goal : Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is found to be increasingly implicated in head and neck cancers. The objective of this study was to determine the primary site of origin of HPV positive squamous carcinomas metastatic to lymph nodes of the neck. Methods : Surgical pathology records from January 1, 2000 to July 31, 2007 were used to identify surgically removed neck lymph nodes with the diagnosis of metastatic squamous carcinoma. Specimens in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded blocks were examined for HPV (+) by analyzing sequencing data generated by PCR and immunostaining for the expression of the p16INK biomarker, which is overexpressed if Rb is not present. H & E stained slides were also reviewed for histological classification. The available retrospective demographics were extracted from the charts to determine trends of confounding factors. Results : Of the 43 patient samples, 41 contained adequate DNA to test for HPV. The mean age of the 41 patients was 62 years. All of the patients smoked and 39/41 patients consumed alcohol. The overall HPV (+) incident rate was 27% (11/41) by PCR with strongly diffuse or strong focal p16 staining. 9 of the 34 males and 2 of the 7 females had HPV (+) carcinomas. The average age of the 2 HPV (+) females was 44, compared to the HPV (−) females who averaged 70. The average age of the HPV (+) males was 56 compared with the average age 55 of the HPV (−) males. HPV (+) carcinomas appeared to arise from multiple sites in the oropharynx, particularly the tonsils and tongues, including unknown primaries. By histological exam, most metastatic HPV(+) squamous carcinomas were poorly differentiated (basaloid) microscopically and grossly cystic. Conclusion : The 27% HPV (+) squamous cancers metastatic to neck lymph node originated from multiple sites in the oropharynx. The HPV (+) female population, although a total of only 2, tended to be much younger than the HPV (−) ones, whereas the HPV (+) male population was similar in age to the HPV (−) male population.

Differential scanning calorimetry provides a new window into the plasma proteome. Plasma from normal individuals yields a characteristic, reproducible thermogram that appears to represent the weighted sum of denaturation profiles of the most abundant constituent plasma proteins. Plasma from diseased individuals yields dramatically different signature thermograms. Thermograms from individuals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, and Lyme disease were measured. Each disease appears to have a distinctive and characteristic thermogram. The difference in thermograms between normal and diseased individuals is not caused by radical changes in the concentrations of the most abundant plasma proteins but rather appears to result from interaction of as yet unknown biomarkers with the major plasma proteins. These results signal a novel use for calorimetry as a diagnostic tool.

We isolated two new manatee papillomavirus (PV) types, TmPV3 and TmPV4, from a Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris). Two PV types were previously isolated from this species. TmPV1 is widely dispersed amongst manatees and a close-to-root PV; not much is known about TmPV2. The genomes of TmPV3 and TmPV4 were 7622 and 7771 bp in size, respectively. Both PVs had a genomic organization characteristic of all PVs, with one non-coding region and seven ORFs, including the E7 ORF that is absent in other cetacean PVs. Although these PVs were isolated from separate genital lesions of the same manatee, an enlarged E2/E4 ORF was found only in the TmPV4 genome. The full genome and L1 sequence similarities between TmPV3 and TmPV4 were 63.2 and 70.3 %, respectively. These genomes shared only 49.1 and 50.2 % similarity with TmPV1. The pairwise alignment of L1 nucleotide sequences indicated that the two new PVs nested in a monophyletic group of the genus Rhopapillomavirus, together with the cutaneotropic TmPV1 and TmPV2.

Cisplatin, a commonly used cancer chemotherapeutic, has a dose-limiting side effect of nephrotoxicity. Approximately 30% of patients administered cisplatin suffer from kidney injury, and there are limited treatment options for the treatment of cisplatin-induced kidney injury. Suramin, which is Federal Drug Administration-approved for the treatment of trypanosomiasis, improves kidney function after various forms of kidney injury in rodent models. We hypothesized that suramin would attenuate cisplatin-induced kidney injury. Suramin treatment before cisplatin administration reduced cisplatin-induced decreases in kidney function and injury. Furthermore, suramin attenuated cisplatin-induced expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and apoptosis in the kidney cortex. Treatment of mice with suramin 24 h after cisplatin also improved kidney function, suggesting that the mechanism of protection is not by inhibition of tubular cisplatin uptake or its metabolism to nephrotoxic species. If suramin is to be used in the context of cancer, then it cannot prevent cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity of cancer cells. Suramin did not alter the dose-response curve of cisplatin in lung adenocarcinoma cells in vitro. In addition, suramin pretreatment of mice harboring lung adenocarcinomas did not alter the initial cytotoxic effects of cisplatin (DNA damage and apoptosis) on tumor cells. These results provide evidence that suramin has potential as a renoprotective agent for the treatment/prevention of cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury and justify future long-term preclinical studies using cotreatment of suramin and cisplatin in mouse models of cancer.

Purpose Because a combination of retinoic acid, interferon-alpha, and radiation therapy demonstrated synergistic action and effectiveness to treat advanced cervical cancers in earlier studies, we designed this randomized phase 2 open-label trial to assess efficacy and safety of interferon alpha-2b (IFN) and 13- cis -retinoic acid (RA) administered concomitantly with radiation therapy (IFN-RA-radiation) to treat stage III cervical cancer. Methods and Materials Stage III cervical cancer patients were randomized to study and control groups in a 1:1 ratio. All patients were treated with radiation therapy; study arm patients received IFN (3 × 10 6 IU subcutaneously) 3 times a week for 4 weeks and daily RA (40 mg orally) for 30 days starting on day 1 of radiation, whereas control arm patients received weekly cisplatinum (40 mg/m 2 ) for 5 weeks during radiation. Patients were followed for 3 years. The primary endpoint was overall survival at 3 years. Results Patients in the study (n=104) and control (n=105) groups were comparable for clinicopathological characteristics, radiation therapy–related variables and treatment response. Proportions of disease-free patients in the study and control groups were 38.5% and 44.8%, respectively, after median follow-up of 29.2 months. Hazard ratios were 0.67 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.44-1.01) and 0.69 (95% CI: 0.44-1.06) for overall and disease-fee survival, respectively, comparing the study group to control, and demonstrated an inferior outcome with RA-IFN-radiation, although differences were statistically nonsignificant. Kaplan-Meier curves of disease-free and overall survival probabilities also showed inferior survival in the study group compared to those in the control. Acute toxicities of chemoradiation were significantly higher with 2 acute toxicity-related deaths. Conclusions Treatment with RA-IFN-radiation did not demonstrate survival advantage over chemoradiation despite being less toxic. The trends predicted an inferior outcome with the RA-IFN combination.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) typing of oral lesions microscopically consistent with multifocal epithelial hyperplasia (MEH) was performed to identify potential novel clinical presentations.MEH (N = 22 lesions, 17 patients) and squamous papilloma control samples (N = 9 lesions, 9 patients) were compared by using polymerase chain reaction-based HPV genotyping. Student's t tests were used to compare continuous characteristics.Of the study cases, 86.4% of MEH and only 11% of controls were positive for HPV (P = .0002). In MEH lesions, 45.5% contained HPV32, 36.4% HPV6, and 4.5% HPV40. MEH lesions were mostly multifocal (50%) and occurred in HIV-negative patients (81.3%). They predominated on the labial/buccal mucosa (63.3%), and there were significant differences between groups by anatomic site (P.0001). HPV32, but not HPV6, was detected in known HIV-positive patients.A novel clinical presentation of MEH associated with HPV32 in HIV-negative, middle-aged to older adults is reported here. One case with HPV40 is the first to be reported. Future detection protocols should include HPV32, as it may be currently overlooked.

A novel papillomavirus (PV) was isolated from a genital condyloma of a free-ranging bottlenose dolphin inhabiting the coastal waters of Charleston Harbor, SC, USA: Tursiops truncatus papillomavirus type 2 (TtPV2). This novel virus represents the first isolated North American cetacean PV and the first American bottlenose dolphin PV. After the viral genome was cloned, sequenced and characterized genetically, phylogenetic analyses revealed that TtPV2 is most similar to the only published cetacean PV isolated and characterized thus far, Phocoena spinipinnis PV type 1 (PsPV1). A striking feature of the genome of TtPV2, as well as that of PsPV1, is the lack of an E7 open reading frame, which typically encodes one of the oncogenic proteins believed to be responsible for malignant transformation in the high-risk mucosotropic human papillomaviruses (HPVs). TtPV2 E6 contains a PDZ-binding motif that has been shown to be involved in transformation in the case of high-risk genital HPVs.

Inflammation and infection are key promoters of colon cancer but the molecular interplay between these events is largely unknown. Mice deficient in leukotriene B4 receptor1 (BLT1) are protected in inflammatory disease models of arthritis, asthma and atherosclerosis. In this study, we show that BLT1−/− mice when bred onto a spontaneous tumor (ApcMin/+) model displayed an increase in the rate of intestinal tumor development and mortality. A paradoxical increase in inflammation in the tumors from the BLT1−/−ApcMin/+ mice is coincidental with defective host response to infection. Germ-free BLT1−/−ApcMin/+ mice are free from colon tumors that reappeared upon fecal transplantation. Analysis of microbiota showed defective host response in BLT1−/− ApcMin/+ mice reshapes the gut microbiota to promote colon tumor development. The BLT1−/−MyD88−/− double deficient mice are susceptible to lethal neonatal infections. Broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment eliminated neonatal lethality in BLT1−/−MyD88−/− mice and the BLT1−/−MyD88−/−ApcMin+ mice are protected from colon tumor development. These results identify a novel interplay between the Toll-like receptor mediated microbial sensing mechanisms and BLT1-mediated host response in the control of colon tumor development.

Ras pathway mutation is frequent in carcinomas where it induces expression of the transcriptional repressor ZEB1. Although ZEB1 is classically linked to epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumour metastasis, it has an emerging second role in generation of cancer-initiating cells. Here we show that Ras induction of ZEB1 is required for tumour initiation in a lung cancer model, and we link this function to repression Pten, whose loss is critical for emergence of cancer-initiating cells. These two roles for ZEB1 in tumour progression can be distinguished by their requirement for different levels of ZEB1. A lower threshold of ZEB1 is sufficient for cancer initiation, whereas further induction is necessary for tumour metastasis.

Recently, the L1 capsid protein of canine oral papillomavirus (COPV) has been used as an effective systemic vaccine that prevents viral infections of the oral mucosa. The efficacy of this vaccine is critically dependent upon native L1 conformation and, when purified from Sf9 insect cells, the L1 protein not only displays type-specific, conformation-dependent epitopes but it also assembles spontaneously into virus-like particles (VLPs). To determine whether VLP formation was coupled to the expression of conformation-dependent epitopes, we generated a series of N- and C-terminal L1 deletion mutants and evaluated their ability to form VLPs (by electron microscopy) and to react with conformation-dependent antibodies (by immunofluorescence microscopy). We found that (a) deletion of the 26 C-terminal residues generated a mutant protein which formed VLPs efficiently and folded correctly both in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus; (b) further truncation of the L1 C terminus (67 amino acids) resulted in a capsid protein which formed VLPs but which failed to express conformational epitopes; (c) deletion of the first 25 N-terminal amino acids also abolished expression of conformational epitopes (without altering VLP formation) but the native conformation of this deletion mutant could be restored by the addition of the human papillomavirus type 11 N terminus. These results demonstrate that VLP formation and conformational epitope expression can be dissociated and that the L1 N terminus has a critical role in protein folding. In addition, it appears that correct L1 protein folding is not dependent upon the nucleoplasmic environment.

Ras mutations are frequent in cancer cells where they drive proliferation and resistance to apoptosis. However in primary cells, mutant Ras instead can cause oncogene-induced senescence, a tumor suppressor function linked to repression of the polycomb factor Bmi1, which normally regulates cell cycle inhibitory cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (cdki). It is unclear how Ras causes repression of Bmi1 in primary cells to suppress tumor formation while inducing the gene in cancer cells to drive tumor progression. Ras also induces the EMT transcription factor ZEB1 to trigger tumor invasion and metastasis. Beyond its well-documented role in EMT, ZEB1 is important for maintaining repression of cdki. Indeed, heterozygous mutation of ZEB1 is sufficient for elevated cdki expression, leading to premature senescence of primary cells. A similar phenotype is evident with Bmi1 mutation. We show that activation of Rb1 in response to mutant Ras causes dominant repression of ZEB1 in primary cells, but loss of the Rb1 pathway is a hallmark of cancer cells and in the absence of such Rb1 repression Ras induces ZEB1 in cancer cells. ZEB1 represses miR-200 in the context of a mutual repression loop. Because miR-200 represses Bmi1, induction of ZEB1 leads to induction of Bmi1. Rb1 pathway status then dictates the opposing effects of mutant Ras on the ZEB1-miR-200 loop in primary versus cancer cells. This loop not only triggers EMT, surprisingly we show it acts downstream of Ras to regulate Bmi1 expression and thus the critical decision between oncogene-induced senescence and tumor initiation.

It is thought that genomic instability precipitated by Rb1 pathway loss rapidly triggers additional cancer gene mutations, accounting for rapid tumour onset following Rb1 mutation. However, recent whole-genome sequencing of retinoblastomas demonstrated little genomic instability, but instead suggested rapid epigenetic activation of cancer genes. These results raise the possibility that loss of the Rb1 pathway, which is a hallmark of cancers, might be sufficient for cancer initiation. Yet, mutation of the Rb1 family or inactivation of the Rb1 pathway in primary cells has proven insufficient for tumour initiation. Here we demonstrate that traditional nude mouse assays impose an artificial anoikis and proliferation barrier that prevents Rb1 family mutant fibroblasts from initiating tumours. By circumventing this barrier, we show that primary fibroblasts with only an Rb1 family mutation efficiently form sarcomas in nude mice, and a Ras-ZEB1-Akt pathway then causes transition of these tumours to an invasive phenotype.

Infection by mouse papillomavirus (PV), MmuPV1, of T cell-deficient, B6.Cg-Foxn1nu/J nude mice revealed that four, distinct squamous papilloma phenotypes developed simultaneously after infection of experimental mice. Papillomas appeared on the muzzle, vagina, and tail at or about day 42 days post-inoculation. The dorsal skin developed papillomas and hair follicle tumors (trichoblastomas) as early as 26 days after infection. When this aggressive tumor was transplanted into normal congenic strains, the transplant immediately regressed while the transplanted tumor into B6.Cg-Foxn1nu/J continued to grow. This result suggested that T-cell deficiency is critical to tumor formation. Passive transfer of hyperimmune sera from normal congenic mice immunized with MmuPV1 virus-like particles (VLPs) to T cell-deficient strains of mice prevented infection by virions of experimental mice. A cell adoption study showed that activated CD8+ populations collected during the regression process of MmuPV1 tumor explants efficiently eliminated both growing and established tumors in the model. Consequently, this study will provide an efficient immunotherapeutic strategy that can be employed to HPV-positive patients, who are at a risk of cancer development. Citation Format: Joongho Joh, Shinje Ghim, Paula M. Chilton, Jino Park, Sarah A. Wilcher, Mary L. Proctor, Alfred B. Jenson. Antitumor immune response passively prevents and eliminates skin tumors on the mouse model of human papillomavirus cancers. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-297.

6074Background: Definitive concurrent chemoradiation (CRT) is a standard treatment for patients (pts) with squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx (SCCOPx). We compared the outcomes and toxicity ...

To evaluate effect of HPV and smoking on DNA double-strand breaks in vaginal samples, vaginal specimens collected from participants (n=76) were classified based on HPV and smoking status and DNA double-strand breaks measured using comet assay. Mean tail length (31.2 +/− 18.7 μm) and tail moment (2.4 +/− 2.8 arbitrary units) for HPV-positive patients were lower (p

The number of studies addressing neoplasia in marine mammals has recently increased, giving rise to concern whether such lesions could be reflective of an emerging infectious disease. Eight species-specific viruses, seven papillomaviruses (PVs) and two herpesviruses (HVs) have separately been shown to be associated with genital tumors in Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus, Tt): TtPV1-6, as well as HVs provisionally assigned the names DeHV4 and -5 (Delphinid HVs). A definite causal role of these viruses in cell transformation remains to be demonstrated. Concurrent PV- and HV-infection has never been reported in marine mammals. DNA extractions from biopsies of genital tumors derived from 15 free-ranging Atlantic bottlenose dolphins were selected for molecular examination. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses revealed the presence of DeHV4, while a serological screening using an antibody-based TtPV enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) demonstrated previous and/or current infection of the HV-positive dolphins with at least one TtPV type. Therefore, care must be taken when drawing conclusions about viral causalities in tumor development, since the "hit and run" and other mechanisms have been described for types of both viral families. This study presents the first evidence of marine mammals having a history of PV- as well as HV-infection and discusses the disputed effects of viral co-infection.

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) cause a variety of cutaneous warts, mucosal condylomata, and dysplasias and are etiologic in cervical cancer. Papillomavirus (PV) conformational epitopes on the surface of virions are type-specific and are the target of neutralizing antibodies. In this study, we describe two methods of in vitro expression of HPV major capsid (L1) proteins which mimicked conformational epitopes and demonstrate their type specificity and ability to react with neutralizing and/or conformation-dependent antibodies. The L1 open reading frames (ORFs) for HPV-1, 6, 11, and 16 were molecularly cloned into a SV 40 expression vector and the encoded gene products were expressed in mammalian (cos) cells. Similarly, the L1 ORFs for HPV-6, 11, 16, and 18 were molecularly cloned into recombinant baculovirus and the encoded gene products were expressed in insect (SF9) cells. The expressed L1 proteins reacted by immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation with polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies generated against their corresponding native virions and by Western blotting with antibodies that recognized nonconformational epitopes of denatured virions. The recombinant L1 proteins expressed conformational epitopes in both cos and Sf9 cells that were type-specific and displayed neutralizing epitopes. The ability to express, purify, and qualitate the reactivity of recombinant L1 proteins will now permit the serologic analysis of host response to HPV infection and the development of prophylactic PV subunit vaccines.

A formalin-inactivated canine oral papilloma homogenate was used as a vaccine to prevent infection by the oncogenic, mucosotropic canine oral papillomavirus (COPV) in beagle dogs. Twenty-six dogs received 2 doses of phosphate-buffered saline intradermally and 99 dogs received 2 doses of the inactivated vaccine. One month after the second dose all dogs were challenged with infectious COPV by scarification of the oral mucosa. All of the control dogs developed papillomas by 6-8 weeks after challenge while none of the vaccinated dogs did. This vaccine has been used successfully in approximately 60,000 line bred beagles with no untoward effects and with long-lasting protection. These data demonstrate that a systemically administered, formalin-inactivated vaccine can protect against mucosal infection by COPV and suggest approaches for the development of human papillomavirus vaccines.

In 1997, cutaneous papillomatosis caused by Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris [Tm]) papillomavirus 1 (TmPV1) was detected in seven captive manatees at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Florida, USA, and, subsequently, in two wild manatees from the adjacent Homosassa River. Since then, papillomatosis has been reported in captive manatees housed in other locations, but not in wild animals. To determine TmPV1 antibody prevalence in captive and wild manatees sampled at various locations throughout Florida coastal regions, virus-like particles, composed of the L1 capsid protein of TmPV1, were generated with a baculovirus expression system and used to measure anti-TmPV1 antibodies in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serologic analysis of 156 manatees revealed a TmPV1 antibody prevalence of 26.3%, with no significant difference between captive (n=39) and wild (n=117) manatees (28.2% and 25.6%, respectively). No antibody-positive wild animal showed PV-induced cutaneous lesions, whereas papillomatosis was observed in 72.7% of antibody-positive captive manatees. Our data indicate that Florida manatees living in the wild are naturally infected by TmPV1 but rarely show TmPV1-induced papillomatosis. Hence, it appears that the wild population would not be harmed in a case of contact with captive animals without visible lesions and productive infections, which could be thus released into the wild.

Respiratory distress that leads to death is seen in patients with Lassa fever. The development of this respiratory problem was studied using a Pichinde virus model (10(4) plaque forming units, IP, survival time 20 +/- 1 days) in strain 13 guinea pigs (n = 35, 229-353 g) of this lethal human contagious infectious disease. Extravascular lung water to bloodless dry lung weight (EVLW/BDLW) ratio showed a modest yet significant increase in animals 13 and 18-21 days postinoculation (PI). In contrast, residual lung blood and lung radioactive 125I-labeled human serum albumin activity index were elevated only in the 18- to 21-day group. These data are consistent with the progressive severity of perivascular edema, lymphocytic pneumonitis, and some alveolar protein between days 13 and 18-21 PI. Lymphocytic pneumonitis appeared to be distributed near most airways and was proportional to the degree of Pichinde virus antigen staining of alveolar macrophages, large mononuclear cells within the pulmonary vascular and extravascular spaces, and alveolar-capillary membranes. These findings suggest that lymphocyte recruitment to the lung reflects the Pichinde virus-induced cell-mediated immune response. Obstructed small bronchi with some lumenal cell debris and hypertrophied epithelial cells were found associated with the areas of marked pneumonitis. The severe hypoxemia and modest anaerobic metabolism in association with marked tachypnea and normocapnia are consistent with small airway obstruction and wasted ventilation, since no change in arterial blood pressure, heart rate, hematocrit, hemoglobin, or blood volume was noted. These data suggest that Pichinde virus-induced respiratory failure was due to obstruction of the small airways with wasted ventilation in association with lymphocytic pneumonitis.

Papillomaviruses (PVs) are a group of small, non-enveloped DNA viruses that cause mucosal or cutaneous neoplasia in a variety of animals. Whilst most papillomas will regress spontaneously, some may persist or undergo malignant transformation. In this study, aggressive, persistent and extensive warts were observed on the hands and feet of a cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis). The presence of PV in the wart biopsies was identified by immunohistochemistry and PCR amplification of PV DNA. The genomic DNA of this PV was cloned and sequenced, and the PV was designated M. fascicularis papillomavirus type 1 (MfPV-1). Its genome was 7588 bp in length and the organization of its putative open reading frames (E1, E2, E6, E7, L1, L2 and E4) was similar to that of other PVs. MfPV-1 had a short non-coding region (NCR) of 412 bp. Molecular analysis of MfPV-1 genomic DNA classified it into the genus Betapapillomavirus, to which all epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV)-type PVs belong. Diseases caused by PVs of the genus Betapapillomavirus are usually associated with natural or iatrogenic immunosuppression. The genomic characterization performed in this study showed that MfPV-1 clustered within the genus Betapapillomavirus and also contained EV-type-specific motifs in its NCR. Further characterization of this virus and its host interactions may allow us to develop a non-human primate model for human betapapillomaviruses, a genus populated by human PV types causing EV.

Sera from cattle that had been inoculated with BPV-1 virions or with recombinant L1 proteins and serum from a rabbit that had been immunized with SDS-denatured virions were evaluated for their reactivity with 466 overlapping synthetic peptides corresponding to 95% of the BPV-1 L1 protein. The late serological response of cattle to both intact virions and recombinant L1 proteins exhibited a similar profile of reactivity with approximately 70% (7 of 10) of L1 antigenic sites. However, the L1 serological response of the rabbit to SDS-denatured virions exhibited a significant difference from bovine serum antibodies in the profile of epitopes recognized, including a relative lack of response to major bovine epitopes located between L1 amino acids (AAs) 300–400. Importantly, only the sera from animals inoculated/immunized with intact virions was capable of neutralizing BPV-1 infectivity of murine C127 cells, suggesting that nonlinear epitopes are important for papillomavirus neutralization.

SummaryActivation of the RB1 pathway triggers the cell-cycle arrest that mediates cell-cell contact inhibition. Accordingly, mutation of all three RB1 family members leads to loss of contact inhibition and outgrowth of fibroblasts into spheres where cell-cell contacts predominate. We present evidence that such outgrowth triggers reprogramming to generate cells with properties of cancer stem cells. Fibroblasts with only a single RB1 mutation remain contact inhibited; however, if this contact inhibition is bypassed by forcing the RB1−/− cells to form spheres in suspension, cells with properties of cancer stem cells are also generated. These cells not only form tumors in nude mice but also generate differentiated cells. We propose that contact inhibition imposed by the RB1 pathway performs an unexpected tumor suppressor function by preventing cell outgrowth into structures where cells with properties of cancer stem cells can be generated from differentiated somatic cells in advancing cancers.

Papillomaviruses (PVs) have been shown as being the etiologic agents of various benign and malignant tumours in many vertebrate species. In dolphins and porpoises, a high prevalence of orogenital tumours has recently been documented with at least four distinct novel species-specific PV types detected in such lesions. Therefore, we generated the immunological reagents to establish a serological screening test to determine the prevalence of PV infection in Atlantic bottlenose dolphins [(Tursiops truncatus (Tt)]. Using the baculovirus expression system, virus-like particles (VLPs) derived from the L1 proteins of two TtPV types, TtPV1 and TtPV2, were generated. Polyclonal antibodies against TtPV VLPs were produced in rabbits and their specificity for the VLPs was confirmed. Electron microscopy and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) studies revealed that the generated VLPs self-assembled into particles presenting conformational immunodominant epitopes. As such, these particles are potential antigen candidates for a TtPV vaccine. Subsequently, the VLPs served as antigens in initial ELISA tests using sera from six bottlenose dolphins to investigate PV antibody presence. Three of these sera were derived from dolphins with genital tumour history and showed positive PV ELISA reactivity, while the remaining sera from lesion-free dolphins were PV antibody-negative. The results suggest that the developed screening test may serve as a potential tool for determining PV prevalence and thus for observing transmission rates in dolphin populations as the significance of PV infection in cetaceans starts to unfold.

The evolutionary rate of feline papillomaviruses is inferred from the phylogenetic analysis of their hosts, providing evidence for long-term virus-host co-speciation, Background Estimating evolutionary rates for slowly evolving viruses such as papillomaviruses (PVs) is not possible using fossil calibrations directly or sequences sampled over a time-scale of decades. An ability to correlate their divergence with a host species, however, can provide a means to estimate evolutionary rates for these viruses accurately. To determine whether such an approach is feasible, we sequenced complete feline PV genomes, previously available only for the domestic cat (Felis domesticus, FdPV1), from four additional, globally distributed feline species: Lynx rufus PV type 1, Puma concolor PV type 1, Panthera leo persica PV type 1, and Uncia uncia PV type 1. Results The feline PVs all belong to the Lambdapapillomavirus genus, and contain an unusual second noncoding region between the early and late protein region, which is only present in members of this genus. Our maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses demonstrate that the evolutionary relationships between feline PVs perfectly mirror those of their feline hosts, despite a complex and dynamic phylogeographic history. By applying host species divergence times, we provide the first precise estimates for the rate of evolution for each PV gene, with an overall evolutionary rate of 1.95 × 10-8 (95% confidence interval 1.32 × 10-8 to 2.47 × 10-8) nucleotide substitutions per site per year for the viral coding genome. Conclusion Our work provides evidence for long-term virus-host co-speciation of feline PVs, indicating that viral diversity in slowly evolving viruses can be used to investigate host species evolution. These findings, however, should not be extrapolated to other viral lineages without prior confirmation of virus-host co-divergence.

Canine oral papillomavirus (COPV) infection of naive beagle dogs causes oral papillomas, most of which spontaneously regress. Regressor beagles do not develop new oral papillomas because of COPV type-specific, cell-mediated immunity, COPV neutralizing antibodies, or both. Formalin-fixed native and recombinant COPV vaccines that target the systemic immune system induce neutralizing antibodies that prevent development of oral papillomas. This study was designed to determine whether spontaneously regressing mucosal papillomas also targeted the systemic immune system to induce circulating, neutralizing IgG antibodies that protect against infection by COPV. To accomplish this goal, IgG was fractionated from sera collected from weanling beagles and regressor beagles and tested for conferring protection by passive immunization. Serum was tested by ELISA for antibodies against intact virions and then pooled for passive transfer to naive beagles. Preimmune sera were neither reactive by ELISA nor protective by passive transfer. On the other hand, IgG antibodies from regressor beagles were reactive by ELISA and passive transfer conferred protection against COPV challenge. Circulating IgG antibodies induced by spontaneous regression of canine oral papillomas protect beagles against intraoral infection by COPV, a model for mucosotropic HPV.

Papillomaviruses (PVs) are highly species- and site-specific pathogens of stratified squamous epithelium. Although PV infections in the various Felidae are rarely reported, we identified productive infections in six cat species. PV-induced proliferative skin or mucous membrane lesions were confirmed by immunohistochemical screening for papillomavirus-specific capsid antigens. Seven monoclonal antibodies, each of which reacts with an immunodominant antigenic determinant of the bovine papillomavirus L1 gene product, revealed that feline PV capsid epitopes were conserved to various degrees. This battery of monoclonal antibodies established differential expression patterns among cutaneous and oral PVs of snow leopards and domestic cats, suggesting that they represent distinct viruses. Clinically, the lesions in all species and anatomic sites were locally extensive and frequently multiple. Histologically, the areas of epidermal hyperplasia were flat with a similarity to benign tumors induced by cutaneotropic, carcinogenic PVs in immunosuppressed human patients. Limited restriction endonuclease analyses of viral genomic DNA confirmed the variability among three viral genomes recovered from available frozen tissue. Because most previous PV isolates have been species specific, these studies suggest that at least eight different cat papillomaviruses infect the oral cavity (tentative designations: Asian lion, Panthera leo, P1PV; snow leopard, Panthera uncia, PuPV-1; bobcat, Felis rufus, FrPV; Florida panther, Felis concolor, FcPV; clouded leopard, Neofelis nebulosa, NnPV; and domestic cat, Felis domesticus, FdPV-2) or skin (domestic cat, F. domesticus, FdPV-1; and snow leopard, P. uncia, PuPV-2).

The canine oral papillomavirus (COPV) is associated with oropharyngeal papillomatosis in dogs, coyotes, and wolves. We have determined the complete nucleotide sequence of COPV, the largest of all known PV genomes (8607 bp). The genomic architecture of the COPV genome is similar to that of other PVs except for a unique and large noncoding region of 1.5 kb between the end of the early region (E2) and the beginning of the late region (L2) and a small (345 bp) upstream regulatory region between the end of L1 and the beginning of E6. Although COPV displays a primarily mucosal tropism, the COPV nucleotide sequence showed the highest overall similarity to cutaneous papillomaviruses such as HPV-1, HPV-63, CRPV (cottontail rabbit PV), FdPV (Felis domesticus PV), and MnPV (Mastomys natalensis PV).

Severe papillomatosis developed in the oral cavity and spread throughout the haired skin of the trunk and limbs of an 8-month-old female Chinese Shar Pei dog. The dog had received corticosteroids prior to referral, which was associated with the onset of demodecosis and papillomatosis. Papillomavirus structural antigens were detected in biopsies by immunohistochemistry using a panel of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. An 8.2-kilobase papillomavirus-specific DNA molecule was detected in the cutaneous lesions by high stringency Southern blot hybridization using a cloned canine oral papillomavirus DNA probe. Restriction enzyme analysis revealed that the virus in the cutaneous lesions was identical to the canine oral papillomavirus. Discontinuation of the steroids combined with the use of a mitocide, antibiotics, and an autogenous vaccine resolved the demodecosis and papillomatosis. This case report suggests that corticosteroid-induced immunosuppression can expand the tissue tropism of papillomaviruses.

Leukotriene B4, a potent lipid mediator of inflammation acts through the G-protein coupled receptor, BLT1. The BLT1-/- mice displayed substantial protection in inflammatory disease models of arthritis, asthma and atherosclerosis. To examine the role of BLT1 in progression of cancers known to be promoted by inflammation, we crossed the BLT1-/- mice onto mice with a heterozygous mutation in the adenomatous polyposis coli (ApcMin/+) gene. The BLT1-/-ApcMin/+ mice demonstrated an increase in the rate of spontaneous intestinal tumor development and accelerated mortality. Unlike ApcMin/+ mice that develop mostly small intestinal tumors the BLT1-/-ApcMin/+ mice developed large colonic adenomas. Tumors from the BLT1-/-ApcMin/+ mice showed increased rates of proliferation, decrease in apoptosis and an increase in the expression of tumor promoting inflammatory markers such as TNF-α and CXCL1 and COX2 when compared to tumors from the ApcMin/+ mice. Microarray analysis of transcriptome showed that the paradoxical increase in inflammation in tumors from the BLT1-/-ApcMin/+ mice is coincidental with defective host response to infections. The expression of angiogenins, a class of antibacterial proteins was significantly reduced in tumors from BLT1-/-ApcMin/+ mice. Further, analysis of gut flora (by 16S ribosomal DNA sequences) identified major differences in microbiome colonizing the BLT1-/-ApcMin/+ and ApcMin/+ mice. BLT1-/-ApcMin/+ mice rederived and raised under germ-free conditions are completely protected from colon cancer development. To examine the role of Toll-like receptor mediated signaling events involved in tumor promotion in the absence of BLT1, we developed BLT1/MyD88 double deficient mice. The BLT1-/-MyD88-/- mice were highly susceptible to lethal neonatal infections indicating the cooperative interactions between TLR and leukotriene pathways in host response. These BLT1-/-MyD88-/- mice could be rescued by treatment with a broad-spectrum antibiotic. The MyD88-/-ApcMin/+ mice are highly protected from intestinal cancers. The BLT1-/-MyD88-/-ApcMin/+ mice are also highly protected indicating that BLT1-mediated host defense acts upstream of MyD88-mediated tumor promoting inflammation. While both BLT1 and MyD88 are important in host defense only the MyD88 but not BLT1 activated pathways are required to initiate tumor promoting inflammation. These results identify novel roles for gut microbiota in promoting colon cancer and for BLT1 in preventing the colon cancer development by shaping the gut microbiome. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 411. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-411

Conformational papillomavirus (PV) capsid epitopes are the major targets of neutralizing antibodies. BPV1 virion surface epitopes were analyzed for type-specificity, induction of neutralization, and topographical location with antibodies from selected humans, and BPV1 or -2 immunized or infected cattle, rabbits and mice. Rabbit sera produced against deer PV (DPV) or BPV2 and human sera reacted with intact BPV1 in ELISA, indicating the presence of cross-reactive conformational epitopes on the surface of BPV1 virions. However, competitive binding assays performed on intact BPV1 capsids using unlabeled and biotin-conjugated antibodies revealed that the conformational epitopes of BPV1 recognized by rabbit, bovine and human antibodies were topographically different. Only hyperimmune sera to intact BPV1, BPV2 or DPV neutralized BPV1-induced focus formation of C127 cells with the highest neutralizing titers observed for bovine and rabbit antibodies produced against intact BPV1. Our study showed the complexity of conformational capsid epitopes of BPV1 and their importance for inducing a protective humoral immune response in animals inoculated or immunized with BPV1.

22098 Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) causes neoplasia. The prevalence of HPV in NSCLC has been reported between 1–30%, demonstrating a big difference between studies. The incident rates of NSCLC and HPV related cervical cancer in Kentucky are among the highest in the US. Recently p53 mutation due to HPV was reported in NSCLC. We conducted this study to evaluate the association of HPV with clinical features of NSCLC. Methods: We obtained tissue samples from 16 patients with NSCLC. Formalin fixed paraffin embedded blocks were examined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sequencing using MY 09/11 and GP 5/6 primers sets. To detect HPV DNAs in extracted total DNA, PCR was carried out using platinum tagged polymerase and a set of degenerate primers capable of binding DNAs of 23 mucosotrophic HPVs, including HPV-6, 11, 16 and 18. Beta-globin separately amplified using a set of primers specific to beta-globin to measure the presence of sufficient DNA as quality control. PCR products were gel purified a...