A review of the risk factors associated with juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: genetic, immune and clinical aspects

Background Juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JoRRP) is one of the most common benign lesions of hyperplastic respiratory epithelial tissue in children and is predominantly caused by human papillomaviruses (HPVs) 6 and 11. The clinical course of the disease is variable, and some patients even develop a malignancy. The purpose of this review was to summarize the related factors affecting the disease course in patients with JoRRP. Data sources We used databases, including PubMed and Google Scholar, to search for publications on factors associated with the genetic, immune, and clinical aspects of JoRRP. The most relevant articles to the scope of this review were chosen for analysis. Results Mother-to-child transmission is the most important mode of disease transmission; other factors, such as immune condition or genetic susceptibility, may be important determinants of JoRRP occurrence. Genetically, the presence of DRB1*0301 and HPV 6/11 E6/E7 is associated with a more severe disease. Immunewise, patients have an enhanced T helper 2-like response. In addition, regulatory T cells are enriched in tumors and may become one of the effective prognostic indicators. For clinical characteristics, patients infected with HPV-11 have more aggressive disease. However, compared with HPV type, age at first onset is a more important factor related to the aggressiveness of JoRRP. Furthermore, socioeconomic status may also affect the course. Conclusions Genetic, immune, and some clinical factors have been noted to play an important role in the course of JoRRP. Exploring definite influencing factors will be an important direction of research in the future.