Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 in human papillomavirus-related cancers

High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection is a necessary cause for the development of cervical cancer. Moreover, HR-HPV is also associated with cancers in the anus, vagina, vulva, penis and oropharynx. HR-HPVs target and modify the function of different cell biomolecules, such as glucose, amino acids, lipids and transcription factors (TF), such as p53, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), among others. The latter is a master TF that maintains redox homeostasis. Nrf2 also induces the transcription of genes associated with cell detoxification. Since both processes are critical for cell physiology, Nrf2 deregulation is associated with cancer development. Nrf2 is a crucial molecule in HPV-related cancer development but underexplored. Moreover, Nrf2 activation is also associated with resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy in these cancers. This review focusses on the importance of Nrf2 during HPV-related cancer development, resistance to therapy and potential therapies associated with Nrf2 as a molecular target.