Herpesvirus-like DNA Sequences in Japanese Patients with AIDS-related Kaposi's Sarcoma

Natsuo Tachikawa1, Mieko Goto1, Hiroyuki Gatanaga1

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo.

Insights

Researchers investigated Kaposi

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Virology
  • Pathogenesis

Background:

  • The etiology of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is not fully understood.
  • A novel human gamma herpesvirus, now known as Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), has been implicated in KS pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) sequences in Japanese patients with Kaposi's sarcoma.
  • To determine the association of KSHV with KS lesions.

Main Methods:

  • Examination of DNA from three Japanese patients for KSHV sequences.
  • Analysis of KSHV sequence distribution in relation to KS tissue invasion.

Main Results:

  • KSHV sequences were detected in two out of three Japanese KS patients.
  • KSHV sequences were predominantly found in tissues with Kaposi's sarcoma invasion.
  • One patient's sample was inconclusive due to DNA degradation.

Conclusions:

  • These findings support the presence of KSHV in Kaposi's sarcoma lesions.
  • The results further implicate KSHV in the pathogenesis of Kaposi's sarcoma.

Related Concept Videos

Retroviruses02:33

Retroviruses

Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...
Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) and Cancer01:03

Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) and Cancer

Rous Sarcoma virus or RSV was discovered by F. Peyton Rous in the year 1911 as a filterable transmissible agent that could cause tumors in chickens. He won a Nobel Prize for this discovery in 1966. His experiments clearly demonstrated that some cancers could be caused by infectious agents and led to the discovery of many more cancer-causing viruses in animals as well as humans.
RSV is a retrovirus that contains two copies of a plus-strand  RNA genome. Its genome consists of four main open...
Herpes01:28

Herpes

Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV‑1) is a widespread pathogen responsible for orolabial lesions. It is an enveloped, double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) virus belonging to the family Herpesviridae. Once the virus infects a host cell, its double‑stranded DNA genome is delivered into the nucleus, where a coordinated cascade of immediate‑early, early, and late gene expression directs viral DNA replication, structural protein synthesis, and virion assembly. After primary infection of epithelial cells, HSV-1...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
Genital Herpes01:23

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection primarily caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), though herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is increasingly implicated in genital infections, particularly among younger populations. Transmission occurs mainly through sexual contact, with asymptomatic viral shedding serving as a major route of spread. This characteristic makes HSV-2 difficult to control at a population level, as individuals may unknowingly transmit the virus even in the...
Antiviral Nucleoside Inhibitors01:22

Antiviral Nucleoside Inhibitors

Antiviral Nucleoside InhibitorsAntiviral nucleoside inhibitors are structural analogs of natural nucleosides that interfere with viral DNA or RNA synthesis. These compounds selectively target viral polymerases due to their resemblance to host nucleosides, thereby disrupting viral genome replication.Mechanism of Acyclovir ActionAcyclovir is a guanosine analog with a three-carbon acyclic side chain. It selectively targets herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2),...