Interferons in human papillomavirus infection: antiviral effectors or immunopathogenic role?

Interferon (IFN), a key component of the body’s antiviral response, plays a central role in orchestrating the immune system's efforts to fight viral infections. Human papillomavirus (HPV) interferes with IFN production and its downstream effects, contributing to immune evasion and viral persistence. This chapter will address both the key innate immune mechanisms involved in controlling HPV infection and the viral strategies that promote HPV persistence and disease progression. Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), type I-III IFNs, and IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) expression changes in papillomavirus cell and animal infection models are reviewed. The controversial role of IFN therapy in HPV, which is the subject of ongoing debate and research, is also discussed. A better understanding of the complex relationship between IFN and HPV infection may contribute to potential advances in the treatment of HPV-associated diseases.