Functional characterization of CD4 and CD8 T cell responses among human papillomavirus infected patients with ano-genital warts

Abstract

Ano-genital warts are considered one of the commonest and highly infectious sexually transmitted infections. These warts are primarily caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) of the family , genus-, species 10 and types 6 and 11. However the high recurrence rate of warts is a matter of serious concern to the patients and a challenge for the treating physician. The conventional treatment options are targeted only to the local site of warts. There is no systemic treatment modality as there is limited understanding of the disease immune-pathogenesis. The role of cell-mediated immunity in combating HPV infection is not clearly defined. Hence the present study is aimed at investigating the CD4 T helper (Th1 and Th2) and CD8 T cell responses among wart patients. In this study, we compared HPV6 and HPV11 antigen-specific T cell responses among venereal wart patients relative to healthy controls. Significant decrease in percent frequencies of IFN-γ producing CD4 and CD8 T cells were observed in HPV infected wart patients. On the other hand, the frequency of CD4 T cells expressing IL-4 was significantly increased in these patients as compared to healthy controls. The observed functional skewing of HPV specific T cells from Th1 to Th2 response in patients indicated suppressed immunity against the HPV. Moreover, decrease in CD8 T cell function correlated with poor wart clearance. Our findings open future avenues for exploring potential immunomodulation strategies as an adjunct to standard treatment for better management of these patients and prevention of recurrence.

Soluble fibrinogen-like protein 2 in condyloma acuminatum lesions

“…The levels of Th1 cytokines are decreased while those of Th2 are increased in the patients with cervical intraepithelial and invasive neoplasia [24]. In our study, IL-4 mRNA levels were significantly higher while the IFN-γ levels were lower, in the CA patients compared to the control subjects; this is consistent with the results reported by Singh [25] and Xie et al [26]. The changes in the IL-4, Foxp3, IFN-γ, sFGL2, and IL-17 levels and the correlations between sFGL2 and IL-4/Foxp3/IFN-γ suggests that an imbalance of Th1/Th2 occurs in patients with CA and that sFGL2 may play an important role in this imbalance.…”

Dysregulation of the immune response affects the outcome of critical COVID‐19 patients

“…SARS‐CoV‐2 may break down antiviral immunity at an early stage. Elevated T cell exhaustion levels and reduced functional diversity of these cells in the peripheral blood may predict severe progression in COVID‐19 patients 18,19 . Our research focuses on the immune response in critical COVID‐19 patients with different outcomes, which is quite different from previous studies.…”

“…Evidence has indicated that the Th1‐type response plays a key role in the successful control of SARS‐CoV, MERS‐CoV, and SARS‐CoV‐2 18 . Moreover, expansion of antigen‐specific CD8 + T cells depending on Th1 cells has a significant effect on virus clearance 19 . It has been reported that the total number of natural killer cells and CD8 + T cells is markedly decreased in patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection 20,21 .…”

A Review on Inosine Pranobex Immunotherapy for Cervical HPV-Positive Patients

“… 7 , 30 , 36 CD4 + T helper (Th1 and Th2) and CD8 + T cell responses were identified in patients with genital HPV-induced warts. 37 Comparisons of HPV6 and HPV11 antigen-specific T cell responses between venereal wart patients and healthy controls disclosed low frequencies of IFN-γ-producing CD4 + and CD8 + T cells in HPV-infected women. 37 The relative number of IL-4-expressing CD4 + T cells was significantly higher in infected women than in normal women.…”

“… 37 Comparisons of HPV6 and HPV11 antigen-specific T cell responses between venereal wart patients and healthy controls disclosed low frequencies of IFN-γ-producing CD4 + and CD8 + T cells in HPV-infected women. 37 The relative number of IL-4-expressing CD4 + T cells was significantly higher in infected women than in normal women. 37 The observed change from Th1 to Th2 in HPV-infected patients was a consequence of a weakened immune response caused by the HPV infection.…”