Human papillomavirus promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by regulating DNA methylation and expression of HLA-DQB1.

Aims: Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers worldwide. Along with nutrition, smoking and alcohol consumption, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the major risk factors, which is modulated by host immune response. This study is aimed at elucidating how HPV modifies host immune system in the EC pathogenesis.