CD8 T cells in CIN2-3 HPV-16-related lesions: A role in immune evasion

Evaluation of: Trimble CL, Clark RC, Thoburn C et al. Human papillomavirus 16-associated cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in humans excludes CD8 T cells from dysplastic epithelium. J. Immunol. 185, 7107-7114 (2010). Immune-response analysis is the key to understanding the interaction between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the host. The possibility of regression of HPV-related diseases, particularly regarding the high-grade intraepithelial lesions (CIN2-3) due to HPV-16 infection, is immunologically mediated. Indeed, a mechanism of immune evasion of papillomavirus could be related to preventing CD8 T cells from egressing into the lesional epithelium, thus playing a fundamental role in its persistence over time. This topic is extremely relevant for clinical purpose, as it is now impossible to properly select a therapy for these cervical preinvasive lesions destined to progress, while avoiding ineffective and harmful treatment (although conservative) in the remaining low-risk women.