Myeloid Cells Are Enriched in Tonsillar Crypts, Providing Insight into the Viral Tropism of Human Papillomavirus.

ABSTRACT: Viruses are the second leading cause of cancer worldwide, and human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated head and neck cancers are increasing in incidence in the United States. HPV preferentially infects the crypts of the tonsils rather than the surface epithelium. The present study sought to characterize the unique microenvironment within the crypts to better understand the viral tropism of HPV to a lymphoid-rich organ. Laser-capture microdissection of distinct anatomic areas (crypts, surface epithelium, and germinal centers) of the tonsil, coupled with transcriptional analysis and multiparameter immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that the tonsillar crypts are enriched with myeloid populations that co-express multiple canonical and noncanonical immune checkpoints, including PD-L1, CTLA-4

SUBMITTER: Mattox AK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8491092 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature