The role of tumor-associated macrophages in HPV induced cervical cancer

Human papillomavirus (HPV), a double-stranded DNA virus linked to various malignancies, poses a significant global public health challenge. In cervical cancer, persistent infection with high-risk HPV genotypes, particularly HPV-16 and HPV-18, initiates immune evasion mechanisms within the tumor micr...

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Main Authors: Zeping Chen, Binzhu Zhao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-04-01
Series:Frontiers in Immunology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1586806/full
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author Zeping Chen
Binzhu Zhao
author_facet Zeping Chen
Binzhu Zhao
author_sort Zeping Chen
collection DOAJ
description Human papillomavirus (HPV), a double-stranded DNA virus linked to various malignancies, poses a significant global public health challenge. In cervical cancer, persistent infection with high-risk HPV genotypes, particularly HPV-16 and HPV-18, initiates immune evasion mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment. The polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) from M1 to M2 phenotypes promotes cervical carcinogenesis, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance via establishing an immunosuppressive microenvironment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of HPV-induced immune evasion pathways, including MHC downregulation, T-cell impairment, regulatory T cell induction, and cGAS-STING pathway inhibition. Furthermore, describe the pivotal role of TAMs in cervical cancer progression, focusing on their phenotypic plasticity, pro-tumoral functions, and potential as therapeutic targets. By elucidating these cellular and molecular dynamics, this review aims to support advanced research. Targeting TAM polarization through immunotherapies and nanomedicine-based strategies represents a promising strategy for enhancing patient outcomes.
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spelling doaj-art-19e81777b89a4d9fa21053cee7c3d8592025-08-20T02:25:59ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Immunology1664-32242025-04-011610.3389/fimmu.2025.15868061586806The role of tumor-associated macrophages in HPV induced cervical cancerZeping ChenBinzhu ZhaoHuman papillomavirus (HPV), a double-stranded DNA virus linked to various malignancies, poses a significant global public health challenge. In cervical cancer, persistent infection with high-risk HPV genotypes, particularly HPV-16 and HPV-18, initiates immune evasion mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment. The polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) from M1 to M2 phenotypes promotes cervical carcinogenesis, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance via establishing an immunosuppressive microenvironment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of HPV-induced immune evasion pathways, including MHC downregulation, T-cell impairment, regulatory T cell induction, and cGAS-STING pathway inhibition. Furthermore, describe the pivotal role of TAMs in cervical cancer progression, focusing on their phenotypic plasticity, pro-tumoral functions, and potential as therapeutic targets. By elucidating these cellular and molecular dynamics, this review aims to support advanced research. Targeting TAM polarization through immunotherapies and nanomedicine-based strategies represents a promising strategy for enhancing patient outcomes.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1586806/fullmacrophagecervical cancerHPVimmune responseTAM recruitmentvaccine
spellingShingle Zeping Chen
Binzhu Zhao
The role of tumor-associated macrophages in HPV induced cervical cancer
Frontiers in Immunology
macrophage
cervical cancer
HPV
immune response
TAM recruitment
vaccine
title The role of tumor-associated macrophages in HPV induced cervical cancer
title_full The role of tumor-associated macrophages in HPV induced cervical cancer
title_fullStr The role of tumor-associated macrophages in HPV induced cervical cancer
title_full_unstemmed The role of tumor-associated macrophages in HPV induced cervical cancer
title_short The role of tumor-associated macrophages in HPV induced cervical cancer
title_sort role of tumor associated macrophages in hpv induced cervical cancer
topic macrophage
cervical cancer
HPV
immune response
TAM recruitment
vaccine
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1586806/full
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