Distribution of immune cell subsets and cytokine-producing cells in the uterine cervix of human papillomavirus (HPV)-infected women: influence of HIV-1 coinfection.
The aim of this study was to characterize the immune system profile in the uterine cervix of 17 human papillomavirus (HPV)-infected women, compared with 17 whom were coinfected with HIV-1. Five histologically normal cervices in immunocompetent women were used as controls. HPV infection was associated with a marked increase in cells expressing interleukin (IL)-6, interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). Coinfection by HPV and HIV-1 led to decreased expression of IL-6, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma. However, coinfection led to increased numbers of cells expressing IL-4, IL-10, and IL-8. Compared with the histologically normal cervices, increased numbers of macrophages (CD68, RFD7) and T lymphocytes (CD4, CD8) were seen in HPV-infected cervices; coinfection with HIV-1 was associated with a higher number of CD8 cells and lower number of CD68 cells. HPV DNA localized exclusively to the dysplastic squamous cells, whereas HIV-1 RNA was detected mainly in CD68-positive stromal cells. In conclusion, this study shows differential expression of various cytokines and classes of inflammatory cells, relative to HIV-1 infection and HPV coinfection, which may relate to the risk of transmission of HIV-1 and increased risk of cervical cancer in these women.
Nicol
Alcina Frederica
AF
Immunology Service, Chagas Research Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Avenida Brasil, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Fernandes
Ana Teresa Gomes
AT
Grinsztejn
Beatriz
B
Russomano
Fabio
F
E Silva
José Roberto Lapa
JR
Tristão
Aparecida
A
Pérez
Mauricio de Andrade
Mde A
Nuovo
Gerard J
GJ
Martínez-Maza
Otoniel
O
Bonecini-Almeida
Maria da Gloria
Mda G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology*; D015497:HIV-1; D006801:Humans; D016131:Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D027383:Papillomaviridae; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D002577:Uterine Cervical Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology
D016207:Cytokines