Human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma exhibits enhanced radiosensitivity despite limited activation of cytosolic DNA sensing pathways and innate immune responses.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) is a significant health concern, with human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) playing a key role in the etiology of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). HPV16-related OPSCC exhibits enhanced radiosensitivity compared to HPV16-unrelated PSCC, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. As HPV16 oncoproteins E6 and E7 are known to interfere with innate immune signaling, we investigated how modulation of cytosolic DNA sensing pathways and innate immune responses changes after irradiation (IR) and whether this contributes to enhanced radiosensitivity in HPV16-related OPSCC.

Materials and methods

Using HPV16-related and -unrelated PSCC models, we examined baseline expression levels of DNA sensors and cytokines and

SUBMITTER: Levpuscek K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12707452 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature