Hyperthermia on skin immune system and its application in the treatment of human papillomavirus-infected skin diseases

Abstract

Hyperthermia is a condition characterized by increased body temperature as a consequence of failed thermoregulation. Hyperthermia occurs when a body produces or absorbs more heat than it dissipates. Hyperthermia also elicits various effects on the physiology of living cells. For instance, fever-range temperature (39°C to 40°C) can modulate the activities of immune cells, including antigen-presenting cells, Tcells, and natural killer cells. Heat shock temperature (41°C to 43°C) can increase the immunogenicity of tumor cells. Cytotoxic temperature (> 43°C) can create an antigen source to induce an anti-tumor immune response. The immunomodulatory effect of hyperthermia has promoted an interest in hyperthermia-aided immunotherapy, particularly against tumors. Hyperthermia has also been used to treat deep fungal, bacterial, and viral skin infections. We conducted a series of open or controlled trials to treat skin human papillomavirus infection by inducing local hyperthermia. More than half of the patients were significantly cured compared with those in the control trial. A series of challenging clinical cases, such as large lesions in pregnant patients or patients with diabetes mellitus, were also successfully and safely managed using the proposed method. However, further studies should be conducted to clarify the underlying mechanisms and promote the clinical applications of hyperthermia.