Abstract:
Provided herein are methods for the rapid detection of HPV types, such as HPV 16- and HPV18-specific antibodies, in patient samples that contain antibodies. For example, patients with head and neck cancers have detectable antibodies to multiple early genes derived from HPV. These antibodies also are useful as biomarkers for HPV-associated malignancies and premalignant states, for diagnosis and prognosis, and for methods of assessing treatment and cancer-recurrence prediction.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present disclosure pertain generally to head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) related to human papillomavirus subtype 16 (HPV16) infections. More particularly, the present disclosure provides novel immunogenic epitopes from HPV16 E2, E6 and E7 antigens restricted by common human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles for the diagnosis and treatment of HNSCC. The HPV16 epitopes identified in the present disclosure can be used in combination with blockade of HPV16+ HNSCC-specific checkpoints for targeted immunotherapy.