Studies on human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 E2, E5 and E7 mRNA in HPV-positive tonsillar and base of tongue cancer in relation to clinical outcome and immunological parameters

•Most HPV 16 DNA positive TSCC and BOTSCC biopsies expressed HPV16 E7 mRNA.•Of HPV16 DNA E7 mRNA positive TSCC and BOTSCC, 65% also expressed E2 and E5 mRNA.•HPV16 DNA positive/E2 mRNA negative TSCC and BOTSCC had worse prognosis.•HPV16 E2, E5 and E7 mRNA expression was not correlated to HLA class I expression.•HPV16 E2, E5 and E7 mRNA expression was not correlated to CD8+ TIL counts.