Deficiencies in myeloid antigen-presenting cells in women with cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions.

Background: There is little information on the function of dendritic cells in women with human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs). In the current study the functions of dendritic cells in the development of T-cell immunity in women with cervical SILs were assessed.

Methods: The percentage of myeloid dendritic cells (MDCs) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs) in peripheral blood were enumerated of 44 patients with SIL (low-grade, 19; high-grade, 25), 19 patients with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), and 18 controls.