No abstract

HLA-restricted cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) recognition of human papillomavirus (HPV) oncogene products may be important in the control of the HPV infections associated with the development of cervical cancer. We have identified, in HLA-B7 individuals, a consistent variation in the HPV16 E6 oncoprotein sequence, which alters an HLA-B7 peptide binding epitope in a way likely to influence immune recognition by CTLs. These results illustrate a biologically relevant mechanism for escape from immune surveillance of HPV16 in HLA-B7 individuals. Thus, both HLA type and HPV16 strain variation need to be considered in the screening of at-risk individuals and for the rational design of anti-HPV vaccines.

No abstract

Direct intratumoral inoculation of CTL102 to patients with primary and secondary liver cancer is feasible and well tolerated. The high level of nitroreductase expression observed at 1 to 5 x 10(11) virus particles mandates further studies in patients with inoperable tumors who will receive CTL102 and CB1954.