Animal Papillomaviruses Research

Dear Colleagues,

Recently, animal papillomaviruses have become a topic of great interest, especially in academic and business circles. Understanding these viruses is important for improving animal health and finding new avenues for treatment. It is worth noting that animal papillomaviruses are different from human papillomaviruses and have the potential to cause a range of clinical manifestations in animals. These can include the emergence of warts and other skin lesions that are not harmful, as well as more serious conditions such as cancer. The pathogenesis of these viruses needs to be studied further to develop effective treatment strategies.

Studies have shown that there are many different animal papillomaviruses that can affect a wide variety of animals. These viruses have been found in birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and mammals, and the search continues in other species and genera. They are typically spread through direct contact with infected animals or through contaminated surfaces. It is important to note that some species of animals are more susceptible to these viruses than others. For example, certain breeds of dogs are more prone to developing papillomavirus-associated cancers than others.

Studies of animal papillomavirus have establish many unique “firsts” in the papillomavirus research arena, including the following: (i) the first mammalian oncogenic virus described and experimental evidence of species restriction (Shope papilloma virus); (ii) the first papillomavirus genetically sequenced (bovine papillomavirus); (iii) the first identification of viral oncogenes and transforming genes such as E5, E6 and E7 (bovine papillomavirus); (iv) clear evidence of natural recombination between two virus types (dolphin papillomavirus); (v) the first naturally occurring hybrid papillomavirus/polyomavirus (bandicoot papillomavirus); and (vi) the initial validation of virus-like particle (VLP) papillomavirus vaccines (rabbit, canine and bovine papillomaviruses).

In conclusion, animal papillomaviruses are an important area of study that require further research. A better understanding of these viruses will lead to improved animal health and welfare, and may also have implications for human health. It is important to continue studying these viruses to ensure that they do not pose a threat to animal populations or human health.

This Special Issue is dedicated to the identification of novel or previously known papillomaviruses linked to diverse lesions in all species of animals. We cordially welcome submissions of both original research and review manuscripts that encompass all aspects related to papillomavirus infection, diagnosis and co-infection, as well as those that delve into the mechanistic interactions between co-infecting pathogens.

Prof. Dr. Neil Christensen
Guest Editor

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