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Cutavirus Infection in Large-Plaque Parapsoriasis, a Premalignant Condition of Mycosis Fungoides
Yumiko Hashida1, Kimiko Nakajima2, Tomonori Higuchi1
1Department of Microbiology and Infection, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku, Kochi, Japan.
Background:
Cutavirus (CuV) is associated with mycosis fungoides; however, the CuV status in parapsoriasis en plaques (PP), a premalignant inflammatory condition of mycosis fungoides, has not been fully delineated.
Methods:
Fifty-five Japanese patients with chronic inflammatory skin diseases, including 13 patients with PP, were studied.
Results:
CuV DNA was detected significantly more frequently in biopsies of the lesional skin from patients with PP (38%; 4 of 13) than in those from patients with other inflammatory skin diseases (2%; 1 of 42; P = .009). All CuV-positive PP cases were of the large-plaque parapsoriasis (LPP) subtype. The viral loads ranged from 83 450 to 2 164 170 copies/103 cells. We recovered near-full-length CuV sequences from the CuV-positive LPP biopsies, all of which were of the Japanese/Asian genotype. The CuV genome appeared to be present within lymphoid cells infiltrating the epidermis and dermis. CuV NS1 and VP1 gene transcripts were also detected in the affected tissues.
Conclusions:
The detection of high levels of CuV DNA with the expression of viral mRNA suggests a potential role for CuV in the pathogenesis of LPP, making it necessary to study further the impact of CuV, especially regarding the viral genotype, on the outcomes of patients with CuV-positive LPP.
Insights
Cutavirus (CuV) DNA was found more often in patients with large-plaque parapsoriasis (LPP), a precursor to mycosis fungoides. This suggests CuV may play a role in LPP development, warranting further investigation into viral impact on patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Virology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cutavirus (CuV) is linked to mycosis fungoides.
- The presence of CuV in parapsoriasis en plaques (PP), a precursor to mycosis fungoides, remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and role of Cutavirus (CuV) in parapsoriasis en plaques (PP).
Main Methods:
- Analyzed biopsies from 55 Japanese patients with chronic inflammatory skin diseases, including 13 with PP.
- Detected CuV DNA and viral gene transcripts using molecular methods.
Main Results:
- CuV DNA was significantly more frequent in PP lesions (38%) compared to other inflammatory skin diseases (2%).
- All CuV-positive PP cases were the large-plaque parapsoriasis (LPP) subtype, with high viral loads.
- CuV sequences belonged to the Japanese/Asian genotype and were found in infiltrating lymphoid cells, with evidence of viral gene expression.
Conclusions:
- High levels of CuV DNA and mRNA expression in LPP suggest a potential role in disease pathogenesis.
- Further research is needed to understand CuV's impact, particularly the viral genotype, on LPP patient outcomes.
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