HPV-induced immortalization of keratinocytes. HPV_Keratinocytes

Human papillomavirus (HPV) induced immortalization of human foreskin keratinocytes (HFK) is a two-step process, including 1) the bypass of replicative senescence and acquisition of an extended lifespan, and 2) outgrowth of immortal cells. The immortalization capacity of HPV is type dependent, as reflected by the presence or absence of a crisis period before reaching immortality. In the present study we determined how the HPV-type specific immortalization capacity related to DNA damage induction and overall genomic instability.