Cytokeratin 17 and p63 are markers of the HPV target cell, the cervical stem cell.
BACKGROUND
Basic research on HPV has focused on identifying the genetic changes that lead to cervical carcinoma. However, while focusing on the molecular biology of the cancer, understanding of its cellular biology has lagged: the target cell of the HPV infection is unknown.


METHODS
In this study we identified the stem cell population of the cervical epithelium by monoclonal antibodies against p63, a homologue of the tumor suppressor gene p53 and cytokeratin 17 (CK17).


RESULTS
We noted p63 expression consistently in the nuclei of reserve cells, hyperplasia of the reserve cells and the basal layer of the ectocervical epithelium, while CK17 only stained endocervical reserve cells and reserve cell hyperplasia.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that both p63 and CK17 are suitable markers for cervical stem cell identification. Both markers, therefore, qualify for the identification of the HPV target cell.
Martens
Jolise E
JE
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Deventer Hospital, Deventer, The Netherlands. martensj@dz.nl
Arends
Janwillem
J
Van der Linden
Paul J Q
PJ
De Boer
Bert A G
BA
Helmerhorst
Theo J M
TJ
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000737:chemistry; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007633:Keratins / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D027383:Papillomaviridae; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000821:virology; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; C081876:CKAP4 protein, human; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D007633:Keratins