Why acute infections by human papillomaviruses matter

Most infections by human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are non-persistent. Yet, for HPVs, as 1 for many other oncoviruses, there is a striking gap between our detailed understanding of chronic 2 infections and our limited data on the early stages of infection. Here we argue that studying the 3 biology of acute infections by HPVs is necessary and timely. Disentangling early interactions will help 4 explain why certain infections become chronic or latent. A better description of immune effectors and 5 pro-inflammatory pathways during the initial stages of infections has the potential to lead to novel 6 treatments. Furthermore, cervical cancer screening and vaccines impose novel iatrogenic pressures 7 on HPVs, implying that anticipating any evolutionary responses remain essential. Finally, hints 8 at the associations between their acute infections and fertility deserve further investigation given 9 their prevalence worldwide. Overall, understanding asymptomatic and benign infections may be 10 instrumental in reducing HPV virulence. 11