Assessment of natural killer cell activity in HPV-infected women — a cross-sectional study

Objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, particularly high-risk oncogenic types, are linked to cervical and other anogenital cancers. Natural killer (NK) cells play a vital role in the innate immune response, identifying and eliminating virus-infected cells without prior sensitization. Material and methods: This study compares serum NK cell activity in women with oncogenic HPV infections and HPV-negative controls. Understanding differences in NK cell activity may provide insights into HPV clearance mechanisms and potential immunotherapeutic targets. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted at Gaziantep University Hospital, enrolling patients over 12 months. Participants were categorized based on HPV status, and blood samples were analyzed to quantitatively assess serum NK cell activity using an ELISA-based assay. Results: Among 82 women, 20 tested positive for HPV 16/18, 35 had other high-risk oncogenic HPV types, and 27 were HPV negative. NK cell activity did not significantly differ between HPV 16/18 and other high-risk HPV groups (p = 0.544). However, the HPV-negative group had significantly higher NK cell activity than both HPV-positive groups (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002). Conclusions: Reduced NK cell activity may contribute to persistent oncogenic HPV infections. These findings suggest a potential role for NK cell-modulating therapies to enhance HPV clearance.