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Use of Interferon-γ Enzyme-linked Immunospot Assay to Characterize Novel T-cell Epitopes of Human Papillomavirus
Published on: March 8, 2012
Interrelation of lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood under cervical papillomavirus infection
Spivak MYa1, V P Lakatosh, L M Lazarenko
1Zabolotny Institute of Microbiology and Virology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kiev, Ukraine.
Insights
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection impacts T-lymphocyte subsets in cervical dysplasia. Decreased CD3+ DR+ T-cells and altered CD4+/CD8+ ratios are observed in CIN and cancer patients, suggesting prognostic value.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Virology
Background:
- Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical cancer are strongly associated with persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
- Immune system dysregulation, particularly involving T-lymphocytes, may play a role in the progression of HPV-related cervical lesions.
- Understanding lymphocyte subset alterations can provide insights into disease pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate T-lymphocyte (CD3+) and B-lymphocyte (CD19+) subsets, including CD4+, CD8+, CD3+ DR+, and CD3- DR+ cells, in the peripheral blood of patients with varying degrees of CIN (I, II, III) and cancer in situ related to HPV infection.
- To identify specific immune cell profile changes associated with different stages of HPV-induced cervical lesions.
Main Methods:
- Peripheral blood samples were collected from patients diagnosed with CIN I, CIN II, CIN III, and cancer in situ associated with HPV infection.
- Flow cytometry was utilized to quantify T-lymphocyte and B-lymphocyte subsets, specifically measuring CD3+, CD19+, CD4+, CD8+, CD3+ DR+, and CD3- DR+ cell populations.
Main Results:
- A decrease in T-lymphocytes expressing the CD3+ DR+ antigen was observed in patients with CIN II, CIN III, and cancer in situ.
- Patients with CIN I, CIN III, and cancer in situ showed a reduction in CD4+ cells and an increase in CD8+ cells.
- A lower CD4/CD8 ratio was noted in these patients, while B-cell (CD19+) levels remained within the standard range.
Conclusions:
- The observed alterations in T-lymphocyte subsets (decreased CD3+ DR+, reduced CD4+, increased CD8+, and lower CD4/CD8 ratio) are significant in the context of HPV infection and cervical lesions.
- These immune profile changes may have important implications for predicting the prognosis of HPV-related cervical diseases.
- The findings suggest potential avenues for developing immunotherapeutic strategies for HPV infection and its associated cervical abnormalities.
Abstract:
T(CD3+)-, B(CD19+)-lymphocytes and their subsets (CD4+, CD8+, CD3+ DR+, CD3- DR+) in peripheral blood of patients with CIN I, CIN II, CIN III and cancer in situ associated with HPV infection were evaluated. In peripheral blood of women with CIN II, CIN III and cancer in situ the number of T-lymphocytes which expressed CD3+ DR+ antigen decreased. In patients with CIN I, CIN III and cancer in situ the level of the CD4+ cells decreased; the level of the CD8+ cells increased. These patients had a lower CD4/CD8 ratio, the number of B cells being standard. The results may have important implications in the prognosis and immunotherapy of HPV infection.

