Table 1 Summary of oncoproteins immune evasion mechanisms on LCs and DCs

E5

Downregulates MHC I and II classes and impairs the transport of these molecules to cell surface [4]

E6

Reduces the number of intraepithelial LCs in CIN lesions accordingly to grade severity [131]

Reduces the expression of E-cadherin in infected keratinocytes and in higher lesion grades, disrupting adhesion of keratinocytes to LCs [14]

Impairs monocytes differentiation to Langerhans cells in vitro [135]

Induces death of precursor or differentiated monocytes in vitro [135]

E7

Downregulates essential molecules involved in antigen processing and presentation, such as TAP-1, TAP-2, LMP-2, LMP-7 and MHC I components [1]

Impairs gene expression of adhesion markers and costimulatory molecules in LCs [14]

Shifts cytokines profile: reduces TNF-α expression and induces IL-10 synthesis [14]

Along with E6, impairs APCs recruitment to infected sites because it reduces the expression of chemoattractant molecules such as IL-8, CCL2 and CCL20 [14]