Heat-shock proteins promote cell survival under adverse environmental conditions. Synthesis of the 27-kDa (HSP27), 70-kDa (HSP70), and 90-kDa (
HSP90) heat-shock proteins is increased in malignantly transformed cells and has been associated with
tumor proliferation,
metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. The increased expression of
heat-shock proteins and their association with
tumor-specific
antigens may result in local immunity to the
heat-shock proteins. We examined the occurrence of
IgA antibodies to HSP27, HSP70, and HSP90 in the lower genital tracts of women with possible gynecologic
cancers. Cervical samples were obtained from 119 consecutive women being evaluated for a gynecologic
malignancy or returning for a follow-up examination following
cancer treatment. Aliquots were tested for
IgA anti-
heat-shock protein antibodies by ELISA. Aliquots were also tested for
IgG antibodies to HSP27 as well as for human papillomavirus. Anti-HSP27
IgA was detected in 85.7% of 21 women with
endometrial cancer tested prior to diagnosis and in 41.1% of 17 women tested
after treatment. In women with
ovarian cancer, 77.8% of 9 women tested prior to diagnosis and 75.0% of 24 women evaluated
after treatment were anti-HSP27
IgA-positive. Of 6 women with
cervical cancer tested prior to diagnosis, 5 were positive for this antibody. None of 25 women with benign diagnoses or 46 healthy women were cervical
IgA anti-HSP27-positive (P < 0.0001). In contrast, anti-HSP27
IgG was not associated with a gynecologic
malignancy. HSP27 cervical
antibodies were not associated with the presence of human papillomavirus. Cervical
IgA antibodies to HSP90 were associated with
ovarian cancer;
antibodies to HSP70 were not
cancer-associated. We conclude that cervical
IgA antibodies to HSP27 may be indicators of a gynecologic
malignancy.