Abstract: The infection of human hosts with human papillomavirus (HPV) can lead to a series of changes in the number, morphology, distribution and function of cutaneous Langerhans cells. In particular, the functional impairment of Langerhans cells is considered to be associated with the escape of HPV from host immunity and persitent HPV infection. Studies have suggested that the abnormal expression of some cytokines or proteases, such as prostaglandin E2 and its major rate-limiting enzyme, macrophage inflammatory protein 3 alpha, transforming growth factor-beta, E-cadherin, langerin/CD207, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosisinducing ligand, may affect the activation and function of Langerhans cells. Further studies are required to explore the exact mechanisms.