The relation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and regulatory T-cells (Tregs) with HPV persistence in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women

Viral Immunol. 2014 Feb;27(1):20-5. doi: 10.1089/vim.2013.0097.

Abstract

Other than CD4+ count, the immunologic factors that underlie the relationship of HIV/AIDS with persistent oncogenic HPV (oncHPV) and cervical cancer are not well understood. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and regulatory T-cells (Tregs) are of particular interest. pDCs have both effector and antigen presenting activity and, in HIV-positive patients, low pDC levels are associated with opportunistic infections. Tregs downregulate immune responses, and are present at high levels in HIV-positives. The current pilot study shows for the first time that low pDC and high Treg levels may be significantly associated with oncHPV persistence in both HIV-positive and HIV-negative women. Larger studies are now warranted.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Chronic Disease
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology*
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • HIV Infections / immunology*
  • HIV Infections / virology
  • Humans
  • Papillomavirus Infections / immunology*
  • Papillomavirus Infections / virology
  • Pilot Projects
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / virology