Elution of herpes simplex virus-specific cytotoxic antibodies from squamous cell carcinoma of uterine cervix.

There is evidence that carcinoma of the cervix uteri is associated with infection with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), and although indirect evidence suggests an aetiological relationship, this remains controversial. One facet of the problem is that complement-dependent cytotoxic antibodies is HSV-2-infected cells have been undetectable or found only in low titre in sera from patients with progressive cervical cancer whereas higher titres have been found where cervical lesions are less advanced. Indeed, cytotoxic antibody titres have been found to rise during the follow-up period after successful treatment. Absorption of these antibodies by the tumour cells has been proposed as a possible reason for low HSV-2 cytolytic reactivity in patients with progressing cervical cancer. This explanation assumes the presence of HSV-2-specific antigen(s) on the tumour cells. We now provide support ffor this assumption with evidence that absorbed HSV-2-specific antibodies can be eluted from cervical cancer tissue.