Definition

A cancer vaccine comprised of a genetically engineered, replication-deficient adenovirus encoding inactive, mutant forms of the human papillomavirus (HPV) transforming proteins E6 and E7, with potential immunostimulating and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration of adenovirus expressing mutant HPV E6/E7, the adenovirus infects and expresses the E6 and E7 proteins. The expressed E6 and E7 proteins stimulate the host immune system to mount a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response against tumor cells expressing HPV E6 and E7, thereby inducing tumor cell lysis. Oncoproteins E6 and E7 play a key role in the development of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical carcinoma.