Cytokine profile characteristics of the cervical mucosa in women with HIV/HPV coinfection

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is recognized as the primary cause of cervical cancer. In women living with HIV, HPV infection is associated with a 3- to 4-fold increased risk of developing cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cancer compared to HIV-negative women, even with effective combination antiretroviral therapy. The host immune response is crucial in determining the course of HPV infection, as cytokines and chemokines play a key role in antiviral defense, shaping the immune response type and influencing the clinical progression of the disease. The aim is to analyze studies assessing cytokine concentrations in the cervical mucosa and their impact on the progression of HPV infection in HIV-positive women. A systematic review was conducted, including studies that evaluated cytokine and chemokine levels in HIV-positive women of reproductive age (≥18 years). Both cohort and cross-sectional studies were considered. This review examines cytokine and chemokine levels in biopsy samples and cervical scrapes from women co-infected with HIV and HPV. The analysis highlights distinct cytokine profile characteristics, including interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP). Understanding immune processes and their impact on HPV infection in HIV-positive women contributes to a better understanding of the disease pathogenesis and improves diagnostics, prevention, and treatment strategies. Given the increased risk of acquiring HPV infection and the subsequent development of cervical precancerous lesions and cancer in HIV-positive women, strengthening preventive measures and early detection efforts for HPV infection in this population should be considered.