Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are an important class of pathogens responsible for a variety of diseases, including cervical cancer, the second most commonly found female cancer worldwide. In Human Papillomaviruses: Methods and Protocols, leading basic researchers and clinical scientists describe in detail a wide variety of established and cutting-edge techniques they have developed to study the lifecycle and biological properties of this formidable virus. The authors use these readily reproducible methods, ranging from PCR to propagation of HPV in vitro, to detect and type papillomavirus infections, study the papillomavirus lifecycle, and to produce and functionally analyze papillomavirus proteins. The protocols follow the successful Methods in Molecular Medicine™ series format, each offering step-by-step laboratory instructions, an introduction outlining the principles behind the technique, lists of the necessary equipment and reagents, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and highly practical, Human Papillomaviruses: Methods and Protocols offers both novice and experienced investigators a set of highly successful analytical tools for unlocking the secrets of the human papillomaviruses and their pathologies.
Includes bibliographical references and index.