Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) cannot be efficiently propagated in tissue cultures or animal models. However, molecular biological technology has made it possible to clone viral genomes, which can then be compared and also used as reagents in clinical and epidemiological studies. Today HPV infections are recognized as being responsible for inducing cancers worldwide and it is expected that HPV-based technologies will provide the tools to prevent and treat HPV-induced cancers. In this review, we focus on the association between oral lesions and HPV infection and the natural history of HPV infection of the oral cavity. We also evaluate the HPV detection methods in this important and fundamental matter for the HPV studies. We then discuss the potential targeted molecular therapies and prevention of a variety of HPVinduced diseases of the oral cavity, including oral cancers.
