Antibodies against oncoproteins E6 and E7 of human papillomavirus types 16 and 18 in patients with head-and-neck squamous-cell carcinoma

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) have been recognized as an essential pathogenic factor in anogenital cancer. HPV DNA has also been found in a subgroup of head-and-neck squamous-cell carcinomas (HNSCCs), and a causative role of the virus in the development of these tumors has been suggested by the concomitant inactivation of the tumor-suppressor protein pRb. Using 4 second-generation ELISAs, we found antibodies against at least 1 of the oncoproteins E6 and E7 of the high-risk HPV types 16 and 18 in 11 of 92 sera (12%) taken from HNSCC patients at or near diagnosis, in 1 of 52 sera (2%) taken from HNSCC patients >6 months after diagnosis and in 10 of 288 sera (3. 5%) taken from sex- and age-matched healthy control individuals of the normal population. In 11 of the 12 seropositive HNSCC cases, antibodies were directed against HPV16 proteins. In patients, the HPV16 antibodies were mostly of high titer, and in 6 cases, antibodies against both HPV16 oncoproteins were present. Seven of the 8 HPV16 antibody-positive sera from the control group were of low titer, and none of the 10 antibody-positive sera reacted with both oncoproteins of the same HPV type. The HPV type of the antigens detected by the antibodies in HNSCC patients correlated well with that of the HPV DNA found in the tumor. Of 19 patients known to have HPV16 DNA-positive tumors, 7 (37%) also had HPV16 E6 and/or E7 antibodies. Our finding suggests that the antibodies were formed in an immune response against HPV E6 and E7 proteins expressed in the HNSCC and thus strongly supports the concept of a biologically active role of HPV in the development of a subgroup of HNSCC.     

Occurrence of antibodies to L1, L2, E4 and E7 gene products of human papillomavirus types 6b, 16 and 18 among cervical cancer patients and controls.

Sera from 118 women of 33 to over 90 years of age, with or without a history of cervical squamous-cell carcinoma, were examined for the presence of antibodies to HPV-6b, HPV-16 and HPV-18, L1, L2, E4, and E7 gene products by the use of bacterially derived beta-Gal fusion proteins and Western-blot analysis. Among the cervical cancer patients, 29/46 (63.0%) were positive for antibodies to E4 and/or E7 of HPV-16 and/or E7 of HPV-18. In contrast, only 2 of 31 (6.5%) non-genital cancer patients and 4 of 41 (9.8%) healthy individuals were antibody-positive for HPV-16 E4 or E7, while antibodies to the homologous proteins of HPV-18 could not be detected. Prevalence rates of antibodies to the HPV-16/18 late proteins were 25/46 (54.3%) in the cervical carcinoma group, 13/31 (41.9%) among women with non-genital cancer types, and 18/41 (43.9%) among normal, healthy individuals. Antibodies to HPV-6b late gene products ranged between 6.5% and 12.2% in the different patient groups. Antibodies to HPV-6b E4 and E7 were detected only once. By studying an additional control group of 207 women with a different age distribution, age-dependence of antibodies to HPV gene products could be ruled out. Whereas antibodies to late proteins may indicate that, regardless of clinical stage, HPV infections are wide-spread among the female population, the striking difference between the prevalence rates of antibodies to early proteins of HPV-16 and HPV-18 among cervical cancer patients and controls (p less than 0.001) supports the idea of the involvement of these virus types in carcinogenesis of the cervix.     

Antibodies against high‐risk human papillomavirus proteins as markers for invasive cervical cancer

Different human papillomavirus (HPV) genes are expressed during the various phases of the HPV life cycle and may elicit immune responses in the process towards malignancy. To evaluate their association with cervical cancer, antibodies against proteins from HPV16 (L1, E1, E2, E4, E6 and E7) and HPV18/31/33/35/45/52/58 (L1, E6 and E7) were measured in serum of 307 invasive cervical cancer cases and 327 controls from Algeria and India. Antibody response was evaluated using a glutathione S‐transferase‐based multiplex serology assay and HPV DNA detected from exfoliated cervical cells using a GP5+/6+‐mediated PCR assay. Among HPV16 DNA‐positive cases, seroprevalence of HPV16 antibodies ranged from 16% for HPV16 E1 to 50% for HPV16 E6 and all were significantly higher than controls. Seroprevalence of E6, E7 and L1 antibodies for HPV18 and for at least one of HPV31/33/35/45/52/58 were also higher in cases positive for DNA of the corresponding type (50% and 30% for E6 of HPV18 and HPV31/33/35/45/52/58 combined, respectively). E6 and E7 antibodies were rarely found in controls, but cross‐reactivity was evident among cancer cases positive for DNA of closely phylogenetically‐related HPV types. E6 or E7 antibodies against any of the eight HPV types were detected in 66.1% of all cervical cancer cases, as compared to 10.1% of controls. E6, and to a lesser extent E7, antibodies appear to be specific markers of HPV‐related malignancy. However, even among cases positive for the same type of HPV DNA, approximately one‐third of cervical cancer cases show no detectable immune response to either E6 or E7.     

Human papillomavirus type 16 E6 and E7 genotypes in head-and-neck carcinomas

Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) is associated with squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (HNSCC) particularly from the Waldeyer's tonsillar ring. A causal role of HPV16 in carcinogenesis is linked to the activity of the viral oncoproteins E6 and E7 which inactivate the cellular tumor suppressors p53 and pRB, respectively. Lack of E6 expression in HPV16-positive HNSCC has been reported, in some cases caused by disruption of the E6 gene. We have examined the status of the HPV16 E6-E7 gene region in tumor and metastasis samples of 24 HNSCC patients employing genomic PCR. No cases with a disrupted E6-E7 region could be identified. Sequence analysis of the E6-E7 segments revealed three different HPV16 E6-E7 genotypes: the HPV16 prototype (6 of 21 cases), the E6 variant T350G (8 of 21 cases), and the E6-E7 variant A131G/C712A (7 of 21 cases). The E6 variants T350G and A131G have been associated with increased oncogenic potential in cervical cancer patients depending on host genetic factors. Their high prevalence in the HNSCC samples studied indicates that they may be important also in HNSCC development.     

早期宫颈癌组织中ATG-12表达与HPV16-E6/E7-DNA病毒载量及预后的关系

目的探讨早期宫颈癌组织中自噬相关蛋白-12(ATG-12)与人乳头瘤病毒(HPV)16-E6/E7-DNA病毒载量及预后的关系。方法选取2015年1月至2017年12月期间在安徽皖北煤电集团总医院保存的宫颈活检或手术切除宫颈组织203例,包括30例慢性宫颈炎、18例宫颈上皮内瘤变(CIN)Ⅰ、23例CINⅡ、26例CINⅢ和106例早期(ⅠA2~ⅡB期)宫颈鳞状上皮癌(CSCC)。采用巢式多重聚合酶链式反应(NM-PCR)和免疫组化染色SP法检测组织中HPV 16-E6/E7-DNA病毒载量和ATG-12蛋白表达。分析ATG-12蛋白表达与早期CSCC临床病理特征的关系。随访CSCC患者无瘤生存时间(DFS)。采用Cox风险比例回归模型分析影响CSCC预后的因素。结果CSCC组织ATG-12蛋白阳性表达率为26.42%(28/106),低于慢性宫颈炎和CIN组织(P<0.05)。ATG-12蛋白表达与HPV16-E6/E7-DNA病毒载量呈负相关(r=-0.306,P=0.001;r=-0.436,P=0.001)。ATG-12蛋白表达与FIGO分期、间质浸润、淋巴脉管间隙浸润、淋巴结转移有关(P<0.05)。随访11~64个月,ATG-12蛋白阳性表达患者5年无瘤生存率为78.57%(22/28),ATG-12蛋白表达阴性患者5年无瘤生存率为60.26%(47/78)。多因素Cox风险回归模型结果显示,HPV16-E6/E7-DNA病毒载量和ATG-12蛋白表达是影响患者DFS的独立预后因素(P<0.05)。结论早期宫颈鳞状上皮癌组织中ATG-12阳性表达率低,与HPV16-E6/E7-DNA病毒载量呈负相关,有望成为评估HPV阳性早期宫颈癌患者预后的重要指标。     

Human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 and the prognosis of head and neck cancer in a geographical region with a low prevalence of HPV infection

Background

The role of human papillomavirus (HPV) on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) survival in regions with low HPV prevalence is not yet clear. We evaluated the HPV16 infection on survival of HNSCC Brazilian patient series.

Methods

This cohort comprised 1,093 HNSCC cases recruited from 1998 to 2008 in four Brazilian cities and followed up until June 2009. HPV16 antibodies were analyzed by multiplex Luminex assay. In a subset of 398 fresh frozen or paraffin blocks of HNSCC specimens, we analyzed for HPV16 DNA by L1 generic primer polymerase chain reaction. HNSCC survival according to HPV16 antibodies was evaluated through Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression.

Results

Prevalence of HPV16 E6 and E6/E7 antibodies was higher in oropharyngeal cancer than in other head and neck tumor sites. HPV16 DNA positive in tumor tissue was also higher in the oropharynx. Seropositivity for HPV16 E6 antibodies was correlated with improved HNSCC survival and oropharyngeal cancer. The presence of HPV16 E6/E7 antibodies was correlated with improved HNSCC survival and oropharyngeal cancer survival. The death risk of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients HPV16 E6/E7 antibodies positive was 78 % lower than to those who test negative.

Conclusion

Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma is less aggressive in the HPV16 E6/E7 positive serology patients. HPV16 E6/E7 antibody is a clinically sensible surrogate prognostic marker of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.     

Association of the antibodies against human papillomavirus 16 E4 and E7 proteins with cervical cancer positive for human papillomavirus DNA

Occurrence of the antibodies against human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 proteins E4 and E7 is specifically but independently associated with cervical cancer. To correlate HPV DNA and antibody data, we examined the biopsy specimens and sera, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and by ELISA, respectively, from 51 patients with cervical cancer (including 3 recurrent cases) and 22 with cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia. Consensus primers for the LI region were used for PCR and bacterially expressed, purified fusion protein HPV-16 E4 and non-fusion protein HPV-16 E7 were used for ELISA. HPV-16 DNA and other HPV types were detected in 17 and 25, respectively, out of 51 cases of cervical cancer. Ten out of the 17 HPV- 16-DNA- positives were positive either for anti-E4 or for anti-E7: positivities for anti-E4, for anti-E7, and for both were 6/17, 5/17 and 1/17 respectively. Three anti-E7-positives consisted of those for HPV-33, -52 and -58 DNA, suggesting that limited cross-reaction occurred between the HPV types. Among the HPV- 16-DNA-positive cases of cancer, lymph-node or distant metastasis was recorded more frequently in the seropositives than in the seronegatives. Our results show that the HPV-16 anti-E4 or anti-E7 occurs in some, but not in all, of the HPV-16-DNA-positive cases, and support the hypothesis that the presence of the HPV-16 antibodies can be used as a marker for possible metastasis.     

Cloning and characterization of human papillomavirus type 52 from cervical carcinoma in Indonesia.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) type 52 from a cervical carcinoma in Indonesia was molecularly cloned and characterized. By hybridization with cervical carcinoma DNAs from Indonesian patients, HPV 52 was detected in 3 of 52 cases (6%), whereas HPV 16 and 18 were detected in 8 and 7 cases, respectively (15% and 13%). Sequence analysis revealed that the E6-E7 ORFs contained several DNA binding motifs (Cys-X-X-Cys) like previously sequenced HPVs. The E6 ORF also contained splice donor and acceptor signals, which may allow the expression of E6* protein. The E7 ORF encoded an amino acid sequence that is conserved in some DNA tumor viruses and is involved in binding to Rb protein and in cellular transformation. Transfection of a subgenomic fragment of HPV 52 under the control of a heterologous promoter showed that the E7 ORF alone induced anchorage-independent growth of established rodent cells and immortalized primary rat embryo fibroblasts (REF), and that in cooperation with activated ras, it induced malignant transformation of REF. The E6 ORF also induced, less efficiently, anchorage-independent growth. These results strongly suggest that HPV 52, like HPV 16 and 18, has oncogenic potential.     

Risk factors and survival by HPV‐16 E6 and E7 antibody status in human papillomavirus positive head and neck cancer

High‐risk human papillomavirus types (HPV‐HR) are associated with head and neck cancer (HNC) risk and better survival. Most patients with HPV‐HR DNA‐positive tumors develop anti‐HPV E6/E7 antibodies; however, it is unclear whether those who mount an immune response have similar risk factors or clinical outcomes as those who do not. HPV‐16 DNA tumor‐positive HNC cases were evaluated for HPV‐16 E6 and E7 antibodies using a GST capture ELISA system. Among 57 HPV‐16 DNA tumor‐positive HNC cases, 67% were detected with HPV‐16 E6 and/or E7 antibodies. Male gender (76% vs. 42%, p = 0.02), younger age (63% vs. 16%, p = 0.001) but not tobacco or alcohol were associated with E6 and/or E7 seropositivity. Seropositivity was associated more often with late stage (76%), poor grade (65%), positive nodes (82%). and in the oropharynx (82%), Median disease‐specific and recurrence‐free survival were longer in E6 and/or E7 seropositive compared to E6/E7‐negative cases (2.2 years vs. 1.4 years, both outcomes), although results were not statistically significant. When examined jointly with p16 expression, E6 and/or E7‐positive/p16‐positive cases had better disease‐specific (2.1 years vs. 1.1 years, p = 0.06) and recurrence‐free (2.3 years vs. 1.1 years, p = 0.03) survival compared to E6‐/E7‐/p16‐ cases. These findings suggest there are 2 distinct HNC patient groups with HPV DNA‐positive tumors, distinguishable by E6 and/or E7 antibody status. Differences in antibody status are associated with distinct risk factors and clinical outcomes. This information can be available as a simple blood test at initial presentation, before the removal of tissue through biopsy or surgery.     

Diagnostic Performance of HPV E6/E7 mRNA and HPV DNA Assays for the Detection and Screening of Oncogenic Human Papillomavirus Infection among Woman with Cervical Lesions in China

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide and it is responsible for most cases of cervical uterine cancer. Although HPV infections of the cervix do not always progress to cancer, 90% of cervical cancer cases have been found to be associated with high risk HPV (HRHPV) infection. HPV DNA testing is widely used, along with Papanicolaou (Pap) testing, to screen for cervical abnormalities. However, there are no data on the prevalence of genotype-specific HPV infections assessed by measuring HPV E6/E7 mRNA in women representative of the Chinese population across a broad age range. Materials and Methods: In the present study, we compared the results with the CervicGen HPV RT-qDx assay, which detects 16 HR-HPV genotypes (Alpha-9: HPV 16, 31, 33, 35, 52, and 58; Alpha-7: HPV 18, 39, 45, 51, 59, and 68; and Alpha-5, 6: HPV 53, 56, 66, and 69), and the REBA HPV-ID assay, which detects 32 HPV genotypes based on the reverse blot hybridization assay (REBA) for the detection of oncogenic HPV infection according to cytological diagnosis. We also investigated the prevalence and genotype distribution of HPV infection with a total of 324 liquid-based cytology samples collected in western Shandong province, East China. Results: The overall HPV prevalences determined by HPV DNA and HPV E6/E7 mRNA assays in this study were 79.9% (259/324) and 55.6% (180/324), respectively. Although the positivity of HPV E6/E7 mRNA expression was significantly lower than HPV DNA positivity, the HPV E6/E7 mRNA assay showed greater specificity than the HPV DNA assay (88.6% vs. 48.1%) in normal cytology samples. The prevalence of Alpha-9 (HPV 16, 31, 33, 35, 52, and 58) HPV infection among these women accounted for up to 80.3% and 76.1% of the high-grade lesions detected in the HPV mRNA and DNA tests, respectively. The HR-HPV genotype distribution, based on HPV DNA and E6/E7 mRNA expression by age group in patients with cytologically confirmed lesions, was highest in women aged 40 to 49 years (35.9% for cytologically confirmed cases, Pearson correlation r value=0.993, p<0.001) for high-grade lesions. Among the oncogenic HR-HPV genotypes for all age groups, there was little difference in the distribution of HPV genotypes between the HPV DNA (HPV -16, 53, 18, 58, and 33) and HPV E6/E7 mRNA (HPV -16, 53, 33, 58, and 18) assays. HPV 16 was the most common HPV genotype among women with highgrade lesions. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the HPV E6/E7 mRNA assay can be a sensitive and specific tool for the screening and investigation of cervical cancer. Furthermore, it may provide useful information regarding the necessity for early cervical cancer screenings and the development of additional effective HPV vaccines, such as one for HPV 53 and 58. Additionally, gaining knowledge of HPV distribution may also inform us about ecological changes in HPV after the vaccination.     

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, HIV infection and cervical cancer in Tanzania, east Africa.

The presence of HPV-DNA was determined in tumor biopsies of cervical-cancer patients and in cervical swabs of non-cancer patients from Tanzania, East Africa, by Southern blot hybridization and/or PCR. HPV types 16 and 18 were detected in 38% and 32%, respectively, of 50 cervical-carcinoma biopsies. A consensus primer PCR capable of detecting a broad spectrum of HPV types revealed the presence of HPV-DNA in 59% of 359 cervical swabs of non-cancer patients. Type-specific PCR showed that types 16 and 18 accounted for 13.2% and 17.5%, respectively, of all HPV infections. Therefore we concluded that HPV 18 is more prevalent in Tanzania than in any other geographical location so far reported. The strongest risk factors for the presence of any HPV-DNA in the 359 female non-cancer patients were young age and HIV infection. The epidemiology of HPV types 16 and 18 was found to differ from that of other HPV types, being associated in univariate analysis with trichomonas vaginalis infection, martial status (single/divorced), age at first intercourse, and young age at menarche. However, young age at menarche accounted for most of the effects of all other, variables in multivariate analysis. Of the non-cancer patients, 12.8% had antibodies against HIV I (no patient being severely symptomatic), and HIV infection was highly correlated with the presence of HPV-DNA, especially types 16 and 18. While HPV-DNA of any type was detectable 1.4-fold more often in HIV-positive patients than in HIV-negative patients, evidence of an infection with HPV types 16 or 18 was found 2.2-fold more often in the HIV-positive patients. The HIV-positive women did not show an increased rate of cervical cytological abnormalities as assessed by PAP staining of a single cervical smear, the overall rate of abnormalities being 2.8%. Furthermore, the age-adjusted prevalence of HIV antibodies was found to be considerably lower in 270 cervical-carcinoma patients (3% HIV-positive) in comparison with non-cancer patients. Thus there was no association observable between the prevalence of HIV infections and the frequency of cervical cytological abnormalities or cervical cancer in the setting of this cross-sectional study.     

HPV16型-E6、E7在食管鳞癌组织与非癌组织中的表达

背景与目的:越来越多的证据表明高危型人乳头状瘤病毒(humanpapillomavirus,HPV),特别是HPV16型与多种肿瘤发生、发展密切相关。本研究旨在分析人乳头状瘤病毒HPV16型E6、E7在食管正常组织、不典型增生组织和癌组织中的表达,以探讨HPV16型在食管鳞癌发生、发展中的生物学意义。方法:采用PicTureTM免疫组织化学方法对70例食管癌切除标本上、下切缘的正常粘膜上皮组织、43例不典型增生组织以及18例癌组织中的HPV16型E6、E7蛋白表达情况进行研究。结果:E6蛋白阳性率在正常食管粘膜上皮组织中为59.3%,在上皮不典型增生组织中为88.4%,在癌组织中为83.3%;E7蛋白在上述3种组织中的阳性率分别为62.1%、90.7%和88.9%。与正常食管粘膜上皮相比,上皮不典型增生组织和癌组织中E6、E7蛋白表达均有显著性差异(P<0.05)。HPV16型E6、E7蛋白在正常食管粘膜组织中同时表达即同步率为25.7%,而在上皮不典型增生组织和癌组织中二者同步率分别为88.3%和83.3%。结论:HPV16型E6、E7蛋白与食管鳞癌发生、发展密切相关,二者协同作用可能是食管鳞癌发生、发展的重要因素之一。     

Detection of human papillomavirus type 18 E6 and E7-specific CD4+ T-helper 1 immunity in relation to health versus disease

The most common high-risk human papillomavirus types, HPV16 and 18, differ markedly with respect to their interaction with the host. Clearance of HPV18 infections generally takes longer and HPV18-positive cancers have a poorer prognosis. We therefore evaluated Th1-type immunity against the E6 and E7 oncoproteins of HPV18 in healthy subjects and in patients with HPV18-positive genital cancer, and compared the results to our previously obtained data for HPV16. Approximately 20% of the healthy individuals displayed immunity against HPV18 E6. In contrast, none of the patients showed such responses, despite the presence of HPV18-positive lesions. Several of the patients did respond to HPV18 E7, whereas this immunity is rarely found in healthy subjects. This pattern of immune reactivity is essentially similar to that previously found for HPV16. It is unlikely that this similarity is the result of immunological cross-reactivity between the E6 and E7 antigens of HPV types 16 and 18. Our data confirm the relation between failure of E6-specific Th1 immunity and high-risk HPV-induced cervical neoplasia and argue that parameters other than these determine the differences in pathological impact between HPV types 16 and 18.     

Markers of HPV infection and survival in patients with head and neck tumors

The purpose of this study was to determine whether changes in human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA prevalence in oral rinses and/or HPV‐specific antibody levels in the sera of patients with oral/oropharyngeal cancer have prognostic significance. One hundred and forty‐two patients with oral/oropharyngeal tumors were enrolled. The presence of HPV DNA was assayed in tumor tissue and oral rinses and HPV‐specific antibodies were assessed in the sera. Oral rinses were collected before treatment and one year after the treatment. Sera were drawn before treatment, one month, and one year after the end of the treatment. Altogether, 59.2% of tumors were HPV positive. The presence of HPV DNA in the tumors correlated with HPV DNA positivity in oral rinses and with HPV‐specific antibodies in the sera. Out of 66 patients with HPV‐positive oral rinses at enrolment, 84.8% became negative at one‐year follow‐up, while most patients remained seropositive for HPV‐specific antigens. However, the mean titers of HPV16 E6 and/or E7 antibodies at follow‐up were significantly lower. Of 16 patients with recurrences at follow‐up (alive on second sampling), six were positive at enrolment for HPV16 E6 and/or E7 antibodies. In five of these, no decrease in antibody levels was observed. Titers of antibodies specific for HPV16 capsid antigens did not change during the follow‐up. Our data suggest that the detection of antibodies specific for the HPV 16 E6 and E7 oncoproteins may serve not only as a marker of HPV etiology, but also as a marker of recurrence and a prognostic indicator in patients with HPV‐positive tumors.     

HPV involvement in tonsillar cancer: prognostic significance and clinically relevant markers

The association of high-risk human papillomaviruses (HR HPVs) with tonsillar cancer (TC) has been documented. Because patients with HPV-associated tumors show better survival rates, modification of their treatment regimen is being considered. It is therefore crucial to find markers for the identification of patients whose tumors are linked to viral infection. A cohort of 109 patients with primary TC was screened for HPV DNA presence in the tumor tissues and HPV-specific antibodies in sera. Data regarding risk factors and clinical parameters were collected. Forty-five specimens were analyzed for the expression of viral E6 and E2-region mRNA, and the p16 and p53 protein expression status was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The overall prevalence of HPV DNA in TC tissues was 65.1%. Ninety-three percent of HR HPV DNA-positive samples expressed E6*I mRNA. E2-region mRNA expression was detected in 36% of positive samples, which implies that the virus is integrated in 64% of HPV DNA/RNA-positive tumors. p16 overexpression and the presence of antibodies specific to HPV16 E6/E7 oncoproteins correlated well with HPV DNA and RNA presence. The disease-specific survival rate of patients with HPV DNA-positive tumors was significantly higher than that of HPV DNA-negative patients. In addition to providing further evidence of the involvement of HPV infection in the etiopathogenesis of a proportion of TC cases, our study demonstrates that p16 immunostaining and anti-E6/E7 antibodies as surrogate markers of HPV involvement represent specific, sensitive and clinically accessible assays for the identification of TC patients who have a considerably better prognosis.     

宫颈癌患者HPV16型E6蛋白的表达纯化及血清抗体检测

背景与目的:人乳头瘤病毒16型(humanpapillomavirustype16,HPV16)是宫颈癌组织中最常见的高危HPV,其相应蛋白的血清抗体与宫颈癌的发生发展相关。本研究构建HPV16E6重组表达载体并表达纯化获得HPV16E6重组蛋白,用于检测不同人群血清相应抗体,初步探讨本地区HPV16E6血清抗体反应与宫颈癌的相关性。方法:将HPV16E6基因与pRSET-A融合表达载体连接,获得E6表达重组体,转化大肠杆菌BL21(DE3)并用异丙基硫代-$-D-半乳糖苷(isopropylthio-$-D-galactoside,IPTG)诱导表达。表达的包涵体变性后经Ni柱纯化,复性并经活性鉴定后,用以包被ELISA板,检测正常女性、慢性宫颈炎患者和宫颈癌患者血清抗体。同时采用荧光偏振方法分型检测宫颈癌组织HPVDNA。结果:pRSET-16E6表达重组体的工程菌经IPTG诱导后可表达Mr24×103的HPV16E6组氨酸融合蛋白,表达量占菌体蛋白的22.3%。表达形式为包涵体,重组蛋白纯度达95%以上,其活性经ELISA法证实。80例正常女性、46例慢性宫颈炎和32例宫颈癌患者血清抗体阳性率分别为5.0%、6.5%和31.2%,宫颈癌患者HPV16E6血清抗体阳性率显著高于正常人(P<0.002)及慢性宫颈炎患者(P<0.01),而正常人与慢性宫颈炎患者间的差异无显著性。32例宫颈癌患者癌组织中,HPVDNA阳性率90.6%,HPV16DNA阳性率46.9%。HPV16DNA阳性组血清HPV16E6抗体阳性率(46.7%)高于阴性组(17.6%),但两组间的差异无显著性(P>0.05)。结论:在pRSET-A/BL21中表达获得的HPV16E6融合蛋白,可用于宫颈癌相关HPV的血清学研究;宫颈癌患者HPV16E6血清抗体阳性率明显高于正常人和慢性宫颈炎患者。