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

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Abstract
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 relationship1–6, this remains controversial7–9. One facet of the problem is that complement-dependent cytotoxic antibodies to 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 advanced10,11. Indeed, cytotoxic antibody titres have been found to rise during the follow-up period after successful treatment11. 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 cancer10. This explanation assumes the presence of HSV-2-specific antigen(s) on the tumour cells. We now provide support for this assumption with evidence that absorbed HSV-2-specific antibodies can be eluted from cervical cancer tissue.