Elevated cytokines induced by HPV contribute to potentiate the proliferation and angiogenesis required for lung tumorigenesis.

HPV-related lung tumorigenesis is suggested to be associated with the up-regulation of anti-apoptotic Mcl-1 expression mediating by IL-6. In addition, HPV up-regulates IL-17 which subsequently promotes Mcl-1 expression bypassing the IL-17 downstream IL-6 molecules. HPV-induced IL-8 may act as an angiogenic factor which augments MMPs production and activities.