Spontaneous regression of CIN and delayed-type hypersensitivity to HPV-16 oncoprotein E7

New research suggests that routine skin tests may reduce the number of interventions needed during treatment for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Scientists investigated delayed-type hypersensitivity to human HPV using skin tests with HPV-16 E7 oncoprotein peptides on women currently undergoing treatment for cervical dysplasia or cancer. Of the 48 women tested, 11 were cleared of the disease without treatment while the remaining 37 required surgery. The researchers discovered that antibodies to early antigens (progressors) were found in a higher number of cancer patients than in others, particularly patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Further tests indicate that E7-specific T-helper cells play a part in the control of HPV.

Ref: Hopfl R; Heim K; Christensen N et al. Lancet (09/12/00) Vol.356, No.9246, P.1985.

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