Cell-mediated and humoral immune responses to chlamydial and herpesvirus antigens in patients with cervical carcinoma.

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and Chlamydia trachomatis are both discussed in the etiology of cervical carcinoma. In this study the antibody titers and the T-cell proliferative responses to chlamydial and HSV antigens in patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and invasive cervical cancer, have been investigated and compared. The patients with CIN and invasive cancer showed approximately the same degree of immune responses to chlamydial and HSV antigens. Of the patients, 58% showed proliferative T-cell responses to C. trachomatis antigen, 87% to HSV antigens. Chlamydial antibodies were detected in 65% of the patients, while 81% had a positive HSV serology. Our results show a lack of correlation between levels of antibody titer and T-cell responses. It is concluded that patients with CIN and invasive cervical cancer have intact cellular immune responses to both chlamydial and HSV antigens. The eventual role of these infections in the etiology remains unclear.