We read the interesting paper by Dr. Cao and colleagues on the role of local regulatory T cells (Tregs) in immune evasion in patients with large condylomata acuminata (1). We suggest that the cholesterol-lowering statin drugs may play a putative role in human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and subsequent genital condylomata propagation.
Statins have been shown to significantly increase the peripheral numbers and functionality of Tregs in vivo by inducing the transcription factor, forkhead box P3 (2). This may further enhance the local immunosuppressive effect of Tregs within the condylomata. Additionally, statins alter cholesterol synthesis in keratinocytes (3) and, as a result, may impair cutaneous permeability barrier function, facilitating HPV infection.
Moreover, the immunosuppressive effect of statins, by increasing Treg numbers and function, may allow the persistence of HPV type 16 and the progression of viral-induced intraepithelial neoplasia (4). Physicians need to be vigilant for the worsening of HPV in patients on statin therapy. This is of particular importance, since the American Academy of Pediatrics has recently proposed using statins in some children as early as 8 years of age (5).
- Copyright © 2008 by The American Association of Immunologists
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