Distribution of antigen-presenting cells CD68 in papillomavirus infection in the skin

Treatment of multi-position condyloma acuminatum using topical CO2 laser combined with photodynamic therapy - Report of 6 cases

BACKGROUND

Condyloma acuminatum(CA) is a venereal disease associated with a high rate of recurrence due to the rapid replication and subtle immune escape mechanism of Human Papillomavirus(HPV). Topical CO₂ laser can remove verruca accurately. Photodynamic therapy with 5-aminolevulinic acid(PDT-ALA) is also an effective therapy which targets on HPV infected sites. Some studies demonstrate that when combined with use of CO₂ lasers, photodynamic therapy can become more effective.

METHODS

We attempted to clinically cure a series of CA grown on cervix, urethra, urinary meatus, vulva, crissum and anal canal with treatment of topical CO₂ laser combined with ALA photodynamic therapy and report herein 6 cases.

RESULTS

Topical CO₂ laser combined photodynamic therapy for CA achieved a complete response after 3 courses of treatment. No recurrence was found after 6-month follow-up in 6 cases, and the HPV PCR detection for all was changed from positive to negative.

CONCLUSION

When it comes to CA treatment, the combination of photodynamic therapy and CO₂ laser usage can give full play to their own respective superiority, and the curative effect is more significant.

Modulation of antigen presenting cell functions during chronic HPV infection

High-risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPV) infect basal keratinocytes, where in some individuals they evade host immune responses and persist. Persistent HR-HPV infection of the cervix causes precancerous neoplasia that can eventuate in cervical cancer. Dendritic cells (DCs) are efficient in priming/cross-priming antigen-specific T cells and generating antiviral and antitumor cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. However, HR-HPV have adopted various immunosuppressive strategies, with modulation of DC function crucial to escape from the host adaptive immune response. HPV E6 and E7 oncoproteins alter recruitment and localization of epidermal DCs, while soluble regulatory factors derived from HPV-induced hyperplastic epithelium change DC development and influence initiation of specific cellular immune responses. This review focuses on current evidence for HR-HPV manipulation of antigen presentation in dendritic cells and escape from host immunity.