Tissues were harvested from three to five mice for each genotype (WT, HPV16tg/+; HPV16tg/+;Krt17/) at each time point (1-, 3- and 6 months) post implantation. For each mouse, both ears and the cervix were removed, quickly embedded in Tissue-Tec OCT compound (Sakura Finetek, Torrance, CA, USA) and stored at − 20 °C prior to sectioning. In total, 5–7 μM-thick tissue sections were subjected to histological stains as described.22 (link) Tissues used for RNA in situ hybridization were immediately fixed in freshly prepared 4% paraformaldehyde prior to embedding and processed for Aire in situ hybridization as described.22 (link)