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Updated: Mar 21, 2026
An In Vitro Model for Studying Cellular Transformation by Kaposi Sarcoma Herpesvirus
Published on: August 25, 2017
Expression pattern of the CXCL12/CXCR4-CXCR7 trio in Kaposi sarcoma skin lesions
A Desnoyer1,2, N Dupin3,4,5, L Assoumou6,7
1Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Département de Pharmaco-Toxicologie Clinique, Paris, France.
Background:
Recent studies have independently implicated the chemokine CXCL12 and its receptors, CXCR4 and CXCR7, in the pathophysiology of Kaposi sarcoma (KS).
Objectives:
We investigated whether the CXCL12/CXCR4-CXCR7 protein trio could constitute KS biomarkers.
Methods:
Endothelial and spindle cells positive for CXCL12/CXCR4-CXCR7, human herpesvirus-8 latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA), Ki67 antigen (proliferation) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were quantitated in skin lesions from patients with AIDS-associated KS, patients with classic KS and patients with angiomas, using immunohistochemistry and quantitative image analysis (16, 21 and 20 skin lesions, respectively). Plasma CXCL12 concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay from 20 patients with AIDS-KS, 12 HIV-infected patients without KS and 13 healthy donors' samples.
Results:
Cells positive for CXCL12, CXCR4, CXCR7, LANA, Ki67 and VEGF were significantly enriched in patients with AIDS-associated KS and classic KS vs. angiomas (P < 0·001), and in nodular vs. macular/papular KS lesions (P < 0·05). CXCL12, CXCR4 and CXCR7 detection correlated with LANA, Ki67 and VEGF detection (r > 0·4; P < 0·05). However, plasma CXCL12 concentrations did not differ between patients with AIDS-associated KS, HIV-infected patients without KS, and healthy donors.
Conclusions:
The CXCL12/CXCR4-CXCR7 trio is upregulated in KS and correlates with KS pathophysiological markers and the severity of skin lesions. Histological assessment of the CXCL12 axis could serve as a valuable biomarker for KS diagnosis and progression.
Insights
The CXCL12/CXCR4-CXCR7 protein trio is elevated in Kaposi sarcoma (KS) lesions and correlates with disease markers. Histological analysis of this axis may aid KS diagnosis and progression monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Chemokine CXCL12 and its receptors CXCR4/CXCR7 are implicated in Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) development.
- Previous research suggests a role for these molecules in KS pathophysiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the CXCL12/CXCR4-CXCR7 protein trio as potential biomarkers for KS.
- To assess the correlation of this protein trio with KS pathological markers and lesion severity.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry and quantitative image analysis were used to assess CXCL12, CXCR4, CXCR7, LANA, Ki67, and VEGF in skin lesions from KS patients and controls.
- Plasma CXCL12 levels were measured using ELISA in patients with AIDS-KS, HIV-infected individuals without KS, and healthy donors.
Main Results:
- Cells positive for CXCL12, CXCR4, CXCR7, LANA, Ki67, and VEGF were significantly increased in KS lesions compared to angiomas.
- Upregulation of the CXCL12 axis was observed in nodular KS lesions compared to macular/papular lesions.
- While CXCL12 axis markers correlated with LANA, Ki67, and VEGF, plasma CXCL12 levels did not differ between patient groups.
Conclusions:
- The CXCL12/CXCR4-CXCR7 trio is upregulated in Kaposi Sarcoma.
- This protein trio correlates with established KS pathological markers and disease severity.
- Histological assessment of the CXCL12 axis shows promise as a biomarker for KS diagnosis and progression.
