Systemic immunosuppression by HIV infection influences HPV transcription and thus local immune responses in condyloma acuminatum

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is considered to influence the pathogenesis of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated diseases. It is not clear whether this occurs directly through molecular interactions between viral genes and/or indirectly through effects on the immune functions. In the present study we compared molecular characteristics of penile condylomas from immunocompetent and HIV-positive individuals. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR techniques we determined some characteristics of local immune responses and transcriptional activity of both viruses. Our findings revealed that HIV-seropositivity was accompanied by multiple HPV infection and a CD4-count-dependent appearance of oncogenic HPV-types. HIV infection also changed the patterns of HPV transcription favouring transcription of early genes such as E7. Apparently, HIV infection influences local immunity by altering HPV transcription and by systemic immunodeficiency.