Human papillomavirus (HPV) represents the most common sexually transmitted infection
worldwide and a major public health challenge. Nearly all sexually active individuals will
acquire HPV during their lifetime, with the highest prevalence observed in adolescents and
young adults shortly after sexual debut. More than 200 genotypes have been described,
ranging from low-risk types, mainly responsible for benign lesions, to high-risk types,
which are associated with cervical, anogenital, and head and neck cancers. While most
infections are transient and spontaneously cleared by the immune system, persistent high-
risk HPV can lead to precancerous lesions and malignant transformation, often in synergy
with other sexually transmitted pathogens or in the context of microbiome imbalance. The
introduction of vaccines and advanced screening technologies has substantially modified
prevention strategies. Vaccination coverage remains heterogeneous, with persistent gaps
particularly among males due to cultural, social, and educational barriers. Schools are
increasingly recognized as strategic environments to promote awareness, sex education,
and gender-neutral vaccination. Innovative approaches such as microbiome modulation,
therapeutic vaccines, and liquid biopsy biomarkers are emerging as promising perspectives.
This review aims to provide an updated overview of HPV epidemiology, clinical impact,
prevention strategies, and future frontiers, with special attention to adolescents as a priority
target group.
