Interferon-α receptors and activation pathways in lymphocytes and monocytes in the peripheral blood of patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or invasive cancer

Purpose of Investigation: There is substantial literature demonstrating the effects of type I interferons (IFNs) on viral infections. Here, the authors examined STAT1, IRF-7, and IFN receptors (IFNR1 and IFNR2) in patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN I, II, III) or invasive cervical cancer (ICC) and healthy women. Materials and Methods: Flow cytometry was used to monitor total T lymphocytes (CD3+), T helper cells (CD4+), cytotoxic T cells (CD8+), and monocytes (CD14+). Results: In patients, the numbers of CD3+, CD4+, and CD14+ cells that were positive for IFN-α and the intracellular amounts of this cytokine increased in accordance with lesion progression. Patients showed increased numbers of cells expressing IFNR1 and IFNR2. Patients with neoplasia showed increased numbers of cells positive for STAT1 and IRF7 compared to controls. Conclusion: the antiviral response mediated by IFN-α is increased in the peripheral blood T cells of patients with different stages of cervical neoplasia.

Cervical cancer; IFN Receptors; Transcriptional factors.

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