Guannan Zhou

The Display between HPV Infection and Host Immunity in Cervical Cancer

Most cervical cancers are related to the persistent infections of high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Increasing evidence has witnessed the immunosuppressive effectiveness of HPV in the oncogenesis steps and progression steps. Here we review the immune response in HPV-related cervical malignancies and discuss the crosstalk between HPVs and the host immune response. Furthermore, we describe the identification and development of current immunotherapies in cervical cancer. Above all, we hope to provide a novel insight of the display between HPV infections and the host immune system.

Vaginal Microbial Environment Skews Macrophage Polarization and Contributes to Cervical Cancer Development

As a common female reproductive system malignancy, cervical cancer (CC) disturbs numerous women’s health. This study demonstrates the role of the vaginal microbial environment (Peptostreptococcus anaerobius) in cervical cancer. Functional assays, including cell proliferation assay, tube formation assay, and immunofluorescence staining, revealed the effect of Peptostreptococcus anaerobius-treated macrophages on cell proliferation and the angiogenesis process. The tube formation assay disclosed the function of Peptostreptococcus anaerobius-treated macrophages on angiogenesis. In vivo assays were also established to explore the impact of Peptostreptococcus anaerobius-treated macrophages on tumor migration. The results revealed that Peptostreptococcus anaerobius-induced macrophages boosted cervical cancer migration and angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Then, this study unveiled that Peptostreptococcus anaerobius-induced macrophage secreted VEGF to stimulate the angiogenesis in cervical cancer. As a whole, Peptostreptococcus anaerobius-induced macrophage facilitates cervical cancer development through modulation of VEGF expression.