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Identifying Dysregulated Genes Induced by Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus (KSHV)
Published on: September 14, 2010
Delayed-type hypersensitivity in classic Kaposi sarcoma patients and controls
R M Valenti1, E Amodio, J-M Nam
1Section of Hygiene, Department of Sciences for Health Promotion 'G D'Alessandro', Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo 90127, Italy.
British Journal of Cancer
|January 20, 2011
Summary
Immune response differences in the leg were observed in Kaposi sarcoma (KS) cases compared to controls. KSHV-positives without KS showed reduced delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) at both body sites.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Virology
Background:
- Immune system alterations are implicated in Kaposi sarcoma (KS) development among individuals infected with the KS-associated herpesvirus (KSHV).
- This study investigates differences in delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses between KSHV-seropositive individuals, classic KS (cKS) cases, and controls.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare DTH responses in the forearm and leg across three groups: classic KS cases, KSHV-positive individuals without KS, and KSHV-negative controls.
- To determine if regional immune responses differ between body sites and correlate with KS development.
Main Methods:
- Mantoux DTH testing using three antigens (Candida, tetanus, PPD) was administered to the forearm and leg.
- Participants included 15 cKS cases, 14 KSHV-positives without KS, and 15 KSHV-negative controls.
- Induration diameters were measured and compared between groups and body sites.
Main Results:
- Controls exhibited greater leg DTH than forearm DTH, a difference not seen in cKS cases or KSHV-positives.
- The difference in leg DTH versus forearm DTH was significantly greater in controls compared to both cKS cases and KSHV-positives.
- Total DTH was similar in controls and cKS cases but reduced in KSHV-positives, particularly in the leg.
Conclusions:
- Kaposi sarcoma cases showed diminished DTH specifically in the leg.
- KSHV-positives without KS displayed weaker DTH responses at both forearm and leg sites.
- Both systemic and localized immune dysregulation may play a role in the pathogenesis of Kaposi sarcoma.
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