The use of interferons in the treatment of pre-invasive cervical neoplasias

ABSTRACT

The evolution of cervical intraepithelial neoplasias(CINs) can lead to the development of cervical carcinomas and is closely tied to infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). Interferon (IFN)’s antitumor effects have a direct bearing on the proliferation or antigen composition of tumor cells, and act on specific tumor cells through immunomodulation. Moreover, some studies have indicated that type 1 IFN can have an antitumor effect by increasing levels of cytotoxic T cells,natural killer (NK) cells and dendritic cells (DCs). Immunotherapy with IFN has recently been used on cervical intraepithelial lesions and invasive cervical cancer with promising results. The objective of this mini-review isto discuss IFNs’ function, importance, and mechanism of action in the treatment of pre-malignant cervicalneoplasias.