Increased p50/p50 NF-κB activation in human papillomavirus type 6-or type 11-induced laryngeal papilloma tissue

We have observed elevated NF-KB DNA-binding activity in nuclear extracts from human papillomavirus type 6- and 11-infected laryngeal papilloma tissues. The predominant DNA-binding species is the p50/p50 homodimer. The elevated NF-KB activity could be correlated with a reduced level of cytoplasmic IKBbeta and could be associated with the overexpression of p21(CIP1/WAF1) in papilloma cells. Increased NF-KB activity and cytoplasmic accumulation of p21(CIP1/WAF1) might counteract death-promoting effects elicited by overexpressed PTEN and reduced activation of Akt and STAT3 previously noted in these tissues.