HPV-transgenic mouse models: Tools for studying the cancer-associated immune response

•There are varied types of mouse models (e.g. spontaneous, transgenic).•Different models allow diverse study approaches.•Recent models display good characteristics for scientific research.•New models should focus on the mechanisms behind the virus-immune system relation.

For decades, research on the pathogenesis of papillomavirus-induced lesions, particularly of human papillomavirus (HPV) has relied on the use of animal models. Among these, HPV-transgenic mice are some of the most frequently employed. After some initial unsuccessful attempts, researchers have succeeded in targeting the expression of one or more HPV-16 oncogenes to squamous epithelia, closely mimicking the lesions observed in cancer patients. The present review describes the relevance and usefulness of these animal models in understanding the tumour-associated immune response and developing new preventive and therapeutic strategies for HPV-associated cancers. In particular, this review details the importance of transgenic mice for dissecting and modulating relevant aspects of the tumour-associated immune response. Other animal models for studying papillomaviral diseases are briefly mentioned, along with their respective advantages and limitations. HPV-transgenic mouse strains remain reliable, versatile and commodious, even if perhaps underestimated, animal models for studying HPV-induced multi-step carcinogenesis.