TNFR1 single nucleotide polymorphisms are not associated with cervical HPV-induced pre-malignant lesion but regulate in situ cervical TNFR1 expression

TNF-α is involved in HPV infection control by triggering cell signaling through binding in specific receptors TNFR1 and TNFR2. Genetic polymorphisms in these receptors may influence TNF-α signaling. Herein, we investigated TNFR1 rs767455 and rs2234649 single nucleotide polymorphisms, and TNFR1 protein expression in cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) to identify their role in cervical pre-malignant development. SIL patients (n = 179) and healthy volunteers (n = 227) were enrolled for TNFR1 genotyping analysis by PCR-RFLP in blood samples and TNFR1 protein expression in cervical tissue by immunohistochemistry. No statistical differences regard genotypes and allelic frequencies for both polymorphisms were observed. Cervical TNFR1-expressing cells were rare in epithelium and basal layer regardless the groups. However, a progressive increase in infiltrating cells was observed in the stromal area, mainly in high SIL (HSIL) group compared to low SIL (LSIL, p < 0.001) and control (p < 0.001) groups. TNFR1-expressing cells frequency was higher in TNFR1 rs767455AG/GG (p < 0.001), and in rs2234649AA (p < 0.001) genotypes carries in HSIL subgroup. These data indicated that TNFR1-expression is abrogated in cervical epithelium, where HPV-induced pre-malignant lesion occurs, increasing its frequency in inflammatory cells in stroma, and is genetically controlled by TNFR1 rs767455AG/GG and rs234649AA genotypes. These biomarkers may be useful to identify cervical precancerous lesions progression.