Analysis of HLA-DR expression on keratinocytes in cervical neoplasia

Int J Cancer. 1994 Feb 1;56(3):314-9. doi: 10.1002/ijc.2910560303.

Abstract

We have investigated the expression in vivo and in vitro of HLA-DR in pre-invasive squamous-cell neoplasia of the uterine cervix. Immunohistochemistry of cervical biopsies demonstrated HLA-DR expression by cervical keratinocytes in 50% of cases of high-grade squamous intra-epithelial neoplasia, although the molecule was rarely expressed in low-grade squamous intra-epithelial neoplasia and was absent from normal ectocervical cells. HLA-DR-positive high-grade lesions were associated with significantly greater numbers of T lymphocytes in the immediately sub-epithelial stroma than were the HLA-DR-negative high-grade lesions. In vitro HLA-DR expression was absent from normal ectocervical epithelium, and from the HPV type 16 containing cell lines W12 (representing low-grade squamous intra-epithelial neoplasia) and CaSki and SiHa (each representing high-grade squamous intra-epithelial neoplasia), both in monolayer and in organotypic raft culture. HLA-DR expression was induced in all cell types following recombinant interferon gamma treatment. Our data suggest that the expression of HLA-DR by keratinocytes in some high-grade cervical lesions in vivo may be due to local induction of the molecule by pro-inflammatory cytokines released by immunocompetent cells. The functional significance of HLA-DR positivity in enabling an effective host immune response to neoplastic cervical keratinocytes remains unclear.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / immunology*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Cell Line
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cervix Uteri / cytology
  • Cervix Uteri / immunology*
  • Epithelial Cells
  • Epithelium / immunology
  • Female
  • Flow Cytometry
  • HLA-DR Antigens / analysis*
  • HLA-DR Antigens / biosynthesis
  • Humans
  • Interferon-gamma / pharmacology
  • Keratinocytes / drug effects
  • Keratinocytes / immunology*
  • Keratinocytes / pathology
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • HLA-DR Antigens
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Interferon-gamma