Mucosal immune response to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection in HIV positive women

Mucosal immunity plays a central role in the control of genital human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. HIV infection is associated with higher risks of HPV-induced neoplasias. Prevalence, incidence and evolution of genital HPV lesions are correlated with the level of immunodepression. Several changes of the local immune response in the genital tract of HIV infected women have been demonstrated. The influence of HIV on the production of some immunoregulatory cytokines appears of particular interest. The shift from the helper T cells type 1 (Th1) to the helper T cells type 2 (Th2) immune response, which determines the downregulation of the cell-mediated immunity, may explain the frequent loss of immunologic control of HPV and its oncological complications.