Delayed-type hypersensitivity response to the human papillomavirus type 16 E7 protein in a mouse model

To study the immune response to human papillomavirus type 16, a mouse model was developed using a mouse keratinocyte cell line expressing the E7 protein. This line was grafted onto syngeneic mice to form a differentiated epithelium, thus closely mimicking the natural infection. A delayed-type hypersensitivity response could be demonstrated after intradermal challenge with a vaccinia virus recombinant expressing the E7 protein. This response appeared to be specific for the E7 polypeptide and was mediated by CD4+ cells.