Mechanistic insights into HPV-positivity in non-smokers and HPV-negativity in smokers with head and neck cancer

CONCLUSIONS: The overexpression of SLPI caused by tobacco-smoking can hinder HPV cell entry by binding to AnxA2 and thus prevent successful HPV infection. Conversely, non-smokers have lower SLPI-levels, associated with an excess of unbound AnxA2, favoring HPV cell-entry. These findings support our hypothesis, suggesting a paradigm shift in understanding virus-related pathogenesis, particularly in the head and neck region, and the nature of HPV …