A vaccine consisting of recombinant modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) viral vector encoding mutated forms of the genes for the viral oncoproteins E6 and E7 derived from the human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 and the human cytokine interleukin-2 (hIL2), with potential immunomodulating and antineoplastic activities. Upon subcutaneous administration, recombinant vaccinia viral vector RO5217790 may stimulate the host immune system to mount a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response against cells expressing HPV E6 and E7, resulting in tumor cell lysis. Oncoproteins E6 and E7 have been implicated in the tumorigenesis of cervical carcinoma.