Natural killer cells in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and human papillomavirus infection

A semiquantitative immunocytochemical study of natural killer (NK) cells in cervical mucosa was performed by the immunoperoxidase technique using anti-Leu-7 and anti-Leu-11 monoclonal antibodies. NK cells were present in two of the five normal controls and five of six specimens showing human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Of the 12 CIN studied, six were positive for both Leu-7 and Leu-11 staining and three were positive for Leu-11 alone. NK cells were found predominantly in the subepithelial stroma. The frequency and pattern of distribution of these cells were similar in all grades of CIN. The number of NK cells present was usually small but the degree of infiltration by Leu-11 positive cells was pronounced in two HPV infections and in one CIN 1. NK cells may have a role in surveillance against HPV infection and the development and progression of CIN.