Cytokine Production Patterns in Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia: Association With Human Papillomavirus Infection

Genital infection with certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with a high risk of malignant transformation, and HPV-associated cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) can become invasive cancer. Host factors are critical in regulating tumor growth, and cytokines that modulate immunologic control may be of particular importance. The type 1 cytokines interleukin 2 (IL-2) and interferon gamma (IFN gamma) are immunostimulatory and are thus capable of limiting tumor growth. The type 2 cytokines interleukin 4 (IL-4) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) are immunoinhibitory and are thus capable of stimulating tumor growth.