Spontaneous regression of CIN and delayed-type hypersensitivity to HPV-16 oncoprotein E7

We investigated delayed-type hypersensitivity to human papillomavirus (HPV) in women with cervical dysplasia or cancer, Women were challenged by skin tests with synthetic HPV-16 E7 oncoprotein peptides. 11 women were regresso rs (cleared disease without treatment) and 37 were progressors (required su rgery). Antibodies to early antigens (markers for progression) were detecta ble in a higher proportion of cancer patients than all other patients, part icularly progressors with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). By cont rast, cellular immunity to HPV-16 E7, measured by skin test. was significan tly (p=0.0001) associated with clinical and cytological resolution of HPV-i nduced GIN, indicating that E7-specific T-helper cells have a role in contr ol of HPV.