Human herpesvirus 8 reactivation and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gp120.

Abstract

Abstract Context.—Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) is the presumed etiologic agent of Kaposi sarcoma (KS), the most common neoplasm in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Current evidence indicates HHV-8 is necessary, but not sufficient, for KS development without the involvement of other cofactors. One potentially important cofactor is human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Although HIV-1 is not essential for development of KS, studies have shown factors released from HIV-1–infected cells, including HIV-1 proteins and cytokines, promote the growth of KS cells in vitro. Recently, studies have shown that coculture of HIV-1–infected T cells with HHV-8–infected primary effusion lymphoma cell lines results in HHV-8 reactivation. This response was due, in part, to cytokines. However, only a portion of induced HHV-8 replication could be accounted for by cytokine stimulation, indicating that other factors, including HIV-1–associated proteins, may also be involved. Objective.—To investigate a possi...