Federação das Sociedades Portuguesas de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia
Abstract
Innate immunity is the first defense in the host and is crucial to prevent Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection and subse - quent development to neoplasia. HPV is involved in the squamous intraepithelial lesions and cervical cancer development. Fortunately, not everyone infected with HPV develop cervical cancer as the immune system can control the virus infection. Innate immunity is the first defense in the host and is crucial to prevent HPV infection and subsequent development to neoplasia. This type of immunity has different antiviral defense pathways, among which are: physical barriers (skin and mucous membranes), keratinocytes and immune cells such as Langerhans cells, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells, which may secrete interferons and cytokines that activate signaling cascades that may prevent HPV infection. However, HPV has also developed various strategies to evade this immune response, which could allow the squamous intraepithelial lesions and cervical cancer development. The aim of this review was to describe the innate immunity involvement in HPV infection
