Natural killer cells: role in local tumor growth and metastasis

Historically, the name of natural killer (NK) cells came from their natural ability to kill tumor cells in vitro. From the 1970s to date, accumulating data highlighted the importance of NK cells in host immune response against cancer and in therapy-induced antitumor response. The recognition and the lysis of tumor cells by NK cells are regulated by a complex balance of inhibitory and activating signals. This review summarizes NK cell mechanisms to kill cancer cells, their role in host immune responses against tumor growth or metastasis, and their implications in antitumor immunotherapies via cytokines, antibodies, or in combination with other therapies. The regulatory role of NK cells in autoimmunity is also discussed

Mechanisms of cell entry by human papillomaviruses: an overview

As the primary etiological agents of cervical cancer, human papillomaviruses (HPVs) must deliver their genetic material into the nucleus of the target cell. The viral capsid has evolved to fulfil various roles that are critical to establish viral infection. The particle interacts with the cell surface via interaction of the major capsid protein, L1, with heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Moreover, accumulating evidence suggests the involvement of a secondary receptor and a possible role for the minor capsid protein, L2, in cell surface interactions

Virus-induced cancers: interplay between genetics and environment

peer reviewedAmong cancers diagnosed worldwide on a yearly basis, 20% are thought to be associated with a viral infection. The viruses involved are, by order of decreasing incidence, the hepatitis viruses, the papillomaviruses and the Epstein-Barr virus. These virus-induced cancers generate a high level of interest not only for the study of mechanisms involved in the neoplastic transformation, but also for the set-up of specific immunotherapies including prophylactic and therapeutic antitumor vaccination

Local applications of GM-CSF induce the recruitment of immune cells in cervical low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions.

Abstract Problem Quantitative alterations of antigen-presenting cells (APC) in (pre)neoplastic lesions of the uterine cervix associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection suggest a diminished capacity to capture viral antigens and to induce a protective immune response. Method of study To test if a cervical application of GM-CSF could restore an immune response against HPV in women with cervical low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL). We performed two clinical trials with11 healthy women and 15 patients with LSIL. Results GM-CSF applications were well tolerated in all enrolled women and no difference in toxicity between the treated and placebo groups was observed during the follow up (until 30 months). Interestingly, in the GM-CSF treated group, a significant increased APC and cytotoxic T lymphocyte infiltration was observed in the cervical biopsies with no change in regulatory T cell numbers. All the HPV16+ patients exhibited an immune response against HPV16 after GM-CSF applications, as shown by NK and/or T cells producing IFN-γ whereas no cellular immune response was observed before the treatment. Moreover, the anti-VLP antibody titers also increased after the treatment. Conclusion These encouraging results obtained from a limited number of subjects justify further study on the therapeutic effect of APC in cervical (pre)neoplastic lesions.Colvir (Grant from Walloon Region