Distribution of HLA-G Alleles and Oncogenic Viruses in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

HLA-G polymorphisms and various oncogenic viruses have been demonstrated in cancers of different anatomical sites. The study aimed to investigate the distribution and potential association of HLA-G alleles and the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), BK polyomavirus (BKPyV), and JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) tissues. A total of 30 frozen tissues were analyzed using nested PCR for HPV detection and EBV detection and genotyping, and semi-nested PCR for BKPyV and JCPyV. Genotyping of HLA-G and HPV was performed by direct sequencing. HLA-G*01:01:01 predominated among the six alleles detected (p < 0.001). HPV was detected in 12 patients, EBV in 11, BKPyV in two patients, and JCPyV in none. High-risk HPV genotypes (16, 18, 66) were significantly more common in comparison to the low-risk genotype (HPV 6) (p = 0.01). Both EBV genotypes were detected, with EBV-1 predominating. Single infection was detected in nine tissues while co-infection was identified in eight LSCC tissues. HPV/EBV co-infection was the most prevalent finding and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.03). A correlation of HLA-G alleles and the presence of single or viral co-infection was not found. Further investigations with a larger experimental and control cohort are needed to assess their effect on LSCC development.