CELLULAR IMMUNITY TO HUMAN BASIC MYELIN PROTEIN IN WOMEN WITH DYSPLASIA AND CARCINOMA IN SITU OF THE CERVIX

Abstract
Sensitization to human myelin basic protein or encephalitogenic factor (EF), and antigen thought to be analogous to different human tumours, can be measured by the macrophage migration inhibition test (MMI). The MMI test was done on one occasion in 51 women with dysplasia and carcinoma in situ of the cervix; 20 women with non-malignant gynaecological conditions served as controls. Sensitization to EF was found in 71 per cent of women with carcinoma in situ and 42 per cent of women with dysplasia. None of the controls showed sensitization. Sensitization could not be related to histological evidence for cellular infiltration within the cervix.