Papillomavirus-associated cutaneous neoplasia in mammals.
Authors: Munday J S, Kiupel M
Journal: Veterinary pathology
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Papillomavirus-Associated Cutaneous Neoplasia in Mammals Papillomaviruses (PVs) represent an important yet incompletely understood driver of cutaneous and mucosal neoplasia across mammalian species, with mounting evidence suggesting both direct and indirect carcinogenic mechanisms. Munday and Kiupel's comprehensive review synthesises epidemiological and pathological evidence across multiple species, establishing that whilst human cutaneous PV associations remain relatively weak, strong causal links exist between specific PV types and neoplastic disease in equines and felids—most notably equine sarcoids, which represent one of the most common equine skin tumours. The authors present mechanistic explanations for PV-induced transformation, including viral oncogene expression and immune evasion, whilst acknowledging that other cofactors (solar exposure, chronic irritation, individual susceptibility) likely contribute to whether infection progresses to malignancy. For equine and companion animal practitioners, this review underscores the importance of recognising sarcoids as potentially PV-driven lesions requiring careful management; understanding the viral aetiology may inform prevention strategies and explain the sometimes aggressive, recurrent nature of these tumours. The nuanced evidence presented—particularly regarding species-specific variation in PV pathogenicity—highlights that clinical decision-making must account for host factors and viral strain differences rather than assuming uniform disease progression across individuals.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Understanding papillomavirus as a confirmed cause of equine sarcoids may inform prevention strategies and client education about viral transmission
- •Recognition of PV-associated skin lesions in horses allows for earlier intervention before progression to neoplastic disease
- •Cross-species evidence of PV-induced neoplasia suggests monitoring and biosecurity measures may be warranted in multi-species facilities
Key Findings
- •Strong evidence supports papillomavirus as a causal agent in equine sarcoid development
- •Papillomavirus infection is associated with cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas in rabbits, bandicoots, and rodents
- •Some evidence suggests papillomavirus may influence cutaneous SCC development in feline and canine species
- •Mucosal papillomavirus types demonstrate stronger causal links to genital and oral neoplasia than cutaneous types