Immunocytochemical detection of HPV high-risk type L1 capsid proteins in LSIL and HSIL as compared with detection of HPV L1 DNA.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the prevalence of HPV L1 capsid proteins in HPV-infected HSIL and LSIL.


METHODS
Cervical smears from 74 women with cytologically and histologically confirmed LSIL (n = 32) and HSIL (n = 42) were collected prospectively to detect HPV high-risk (hr) types 16, 18, 33, 35, 39, 45, 56 and 58 L1-DNA by standardized L1-consensus primer PCR (MY 09/11) and L1 capsid proteins by immunocytochemistry using monoclonal antibodies T31 (HPV16) and T16 (HPV hr) in a standardized protocol.


RESULTS
In HSIL and LSIL, L1 DNA was found for HPV hr in 93% and 59% and for HPV16 in 69% and 37% of the specimens, respectively. HPV L1 capsid proteins were detected in HSIL and LSIL for HPV hr in 33% and 44% and for HPV16 in 29% and 31% of the specimens, respectively. Expression of L1 capsid proteins was significantly reduced, by 59.6% for HPV hr L1 DNA-positive HSIL (P < .01) and by 40.4% for HPV 16 L1 DNA-positive HSIL (P < .01). In HPV 16 DNA-positive and HPV hr DNA-positive LSIL, no significant reduction of corresponding L1 capsid protein expression could be demonstrated.


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest a disturbed viral cellular interaction in HPV 16 and HPV hr-infected HSIL, with loss of viral L1 capsid antigen. In this context there is a possible role of T31 and T16 as prognostic markers to predict the prognosis of CIN.
Melsheimer
Peter
P
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, Universitäts Frauenklinik, Vossstr. 9, D-69115 Heidelberg, Germany.
Kaul
Sepp
S
Dobeck
Stefanie
S
Bastert
Gunther
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D036022:Capsid Proteins; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics; D015536:Down-Regulation / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D015967:Gene Expression Regulation, Viral / Q000235:genetics; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008875:Middle Aged; D009856:Oncogene Proteins, Viral / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000821:virology*; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D036022:Capsid Proteins; D004279:DNA, Viral; C114580:HPV L1 protein, Human papillomavirus; D009856:Oncogene Proteins, Viral