Depressed type 1 cytokine synthesis by superantigen-activated CD4+ T cells of women with human papillomavirus-related high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions.

Carcinoma of the cervix is causally related to infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), and T cells play a pivotal role in the immune response of the host to rid itself of HPV infection. Therefore, we assessed the T-cell function of women with HPV-related cervical neoplasia against a superantigen, Staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB). Each woman provided a cervical brush specimen for HPV DNA testing and Papanicolaou (Pap) smears for the staging of cervical lesions. They also provided a blood specimen for determination of the ability of CD4(+) T and CD8(+) T cells to synthesize Th1 (interleukin-2 [IL-2], gamma interferon [IFN-gamma], and tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha]) and Th2 (IL-10) cytokines in response to activation with SEB. Compared with control subjects with self-attested negative Pap smears, women with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) had significantly lower percentages of activated CD4(+) T cells that produced IL-2 (P = 0.045), IFN-gamma (P = 0.040), and TNF-alpha (P = 0.015) and a significantly lower percentage of activated CD8(+) T cells that produced IL-2 (P < 0.01). These data indicate that women with HPV-related cervical HSIL show a decrease in Th1 cytokine production by activated CD4(+) T cells and suggested that compromised T-helper functions may negatively impact the function of cytotoxic CD8(+) T cells.

The influence of HIV/AIDS on the association between genital human papillomavirus and cervical cancer in HIV/AIDS infected women: A literature review

Background: With over 440 million cases of infections worldwide, genital HPV is the most frequent sexually transmitted infection. There are several types including high risk types 16, 18, 58 and 70 among others, which are known to cause cervical cell abnormality and if persistent, can lead to cervical cancer which globally, claims 288,000 lives annually. 33.4 million people worldwide are currently living with HIV/AIDS, with 22.4 million in sub-Saharan Africa where 70% of the female population living with HIV/AIDS is also found. Similar risk factors for HPV, cervical cancer and HIV/AIDS include early age at sexual debut, multiple sexual partners, infrequent condom use, history of STI and immune-suppression. ^ Objectives: To describe the role of HPV in cervical cancer development, to describe the influence of HIV/AIDS on HPV and in the development of cervical cancer and to describe the importance of preventive measures such as screening. ^ Methods: This is a literature review where data were analyzed qualitatively and a descriptive narrative style used to evaluate and present the information. The data came from searches using Pub Med, Cochrane Library, EBSCO Medline databases as well as websites such as the CDC and WHO. Articles selected were published in English over the last 10 years. Keywords used included: 'HPV, cervical cancer and HIV', 'HIV and HPV', 'HPV and cervical cancer', 'HPV infection', 'HPV vaccine', 'genital HPV', 'HIV and cervical cancer', 'prevalence of HIV and cervical cancer' and 'prevalence of cervical cancer'. ^ Results: Women with HIV/AIDS have multiple HPV types, persistent infection, are more likely to present with cervical neoplasia and are at higher risk for cervical cancer. Research also shows that HIV could affect the transmissibility of HPV and that HPV itself could also increase the susceptibility to HIV acquisition. ^ Conclusion: HIV, genital HPV and cervical cancer are all preventable. Need to emphasize programs that aim to increase HIV/AIDS, HPV and cervical cancer awareness. Stress importance of behavior modification such as frequent use of condoms, decreased sexual partners and delayed first intercourse. Facilitate programs for screening and treating HPV, male circumcision, effective management of HAART and HPV vaccination.^