Common Microbial Genital Infections and Their Impact on the Innate Immune Response to HPV in Cervical Cells

• DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111361
• Publication Date: 2022-11-16T07:24:53Z
• Authors: Matteo Fracella; Giuseppe Oliveto; Leonardo Sorrentino; Piergiorgio Roberto; Lilia Cinti; Agnese Viscido; Federica Maria Di...; Federica Giuffrè; Massimo Gentile; Valeria Pietropaolo; Carla Prezioso; Ettore Palma; Nadia Recine; Innocenza Palaia; Carolina Scagnolari; Guido Antonelli; Alessandra Pieran...
• Keywords: TLR9; TLR7; Sex organ; SLPI; CCL20

The persistence of high-risk (HR) human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes is a prerequisite cervical cancer. It not clear whether and how bacterial vaginosis (BV) sexually transmitted infections (STIs) cause higher rates persistent HPV infection. This study aimed to characterize mucosal innate immunity HPV, comparing different conditions. Specifically, expression levels genes coding for Toll-like receptors (TLR)7 9, several type III Interferon-related (IFNL1, 2, 3, their specific receptor subunit IFNLR1, the IFN-stimulated gene ISG15). Chemokines CCL5 CCL20 were measured in cells positive, or not, BV, STIs. DNA was detected 51/120 (42.5%) enrolled women, two/third HR-HPV genotypes. More than 50% samples BV- and/or STI-positive. HPV-positive women had but other STIs, more frequently HPV-negative. TLR9 IFNL1 mRNAs expressed LR, much less HR Enhanced TLR9, TLR7, IFNL2, IFNLR1 observed with BV STI. TLR9-increased associated previous studies; hence, coinfections may enhance this risk. Prospective measurements IFNs are warranted evaluate response act as double-edged sword infected epithelia.