The interplay between human papillomavirus and vaginal microbiota in cervical cancer development

Over the past few decades, we have grown accustomed to the idea that human papillomavirus can cause tumors. The genetic and environmental factors that make the difference between elimination of viral infection and the development of cancer are therefore an area of active investigation at present. Microbiota has emerged as an important factor that may affect this balance by increasing or decreasing the ability of viral infection to promote. The female reproductive system has its specific microbiota that helps to maintain health and prevent infection with pathogens. In contrast to other mucosal sites, the vaginal microbiota typically has low diversity and contains few Lactobacillus spp. which by using high-throughput 16s rRNA gene sequencing, classified into five different community state types. According to emerging information, increased diversity of vaginal microbiota and reduced abundance of Lactobacillus spp. contribute to HPV acquisition, persistence, and development of cervical cancer. In this review, the role of normal female reproductive tract microbiota in health, mechanisms which dysbiosis can cause diseases through interaction with microbes and several therapeutic approaches were addressed.

Automated summary

In recent decades, it has become well-established that human papillomavirus can cause tumors, and research is actively investigating the genetic and environmental factors that determine whether viral infection is eliminated or develops into cancer. The microbiota has emerged as an important factor that can influence this balance by either enhancing or reducing the ability of viral infection to promote cancer. In the female reproductive system, the vaginal microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining health and preventing pathogenic infections. A diverse vaginal microbiota with reduced abundance of Lactobacillus spp. has been found to contribute to HPV acquisition, persistence, and the development of cervical cancer. This review explores the role of normal female reproductive tract microbiota in health, the mechanisms by which dysbiosis can lead to disease through interactions with microbes, and various therapeutic approaches.