Abstract
The book edited by Prof. Campo is a very complete and easily readable text whose contributors are all very well known papillomavirologists reviewing many different current aspects of papillomavirus research. The text is divided into 25 chapters, each focused on a particular aspect of papillomaviruses biology and pathology. In the first part of the volume, topics covered include epidemiology and taxonomy, phylogenetic analyses, gene expression, regulation of DNA replication, and transcription factor proteins. Papillomavirus oncogenes (E5, E6, and E7) and the mechanisms by which they contribute to cell transformation are extensively described in chapters 8, 9, and 10, while organotypic raft cultures, early and late events in papillomavirus life cycle and in vivo mouse models are discussed in detail in the following chapters. In chapters 15, 16, and 17, the association of different human papillomaviruses to neoplasias such as oesophageal carcinoma, nonmelanoma skin cancer, and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is reviewed. Fascinating insights into papillomavirus interactions with the host, viruslike particles, immunology, and vaccine development are described in chapters 18 through 22. The last 3 chapters cover all we currently know about bovine and rabbit papillomaviruses and their associated pathology. The role of these extensively studied animal papillomaviruses is discussed in depth, and much emphasis is given to the etiopathogenetic mechanisms by which these viruses cause distressing disease in animals. Additionally, the importance of animal papillomaviruses as in vivo models for human papillomavirus infection, carcinogenesis, and vaccination is also discussed. Illustrations, which are mostly black-and-white figures, are conveniently placed through the text. There is a comprehensive list of references at the end of each chapter and an exhaustive index at the end of the book. A strength of this book is that while the contents are of high scientific value, the style is always very simple and clear, making the text easy to read. In summary, this is a well-written book that is essential reading not only for anyone whose research interests deal with papillomaviruses, but also for those wishing to start studying human as well as animal papillomavirus biology and pathology.