Beta 2-microglobulin expression of AIDS-related and classical Kaposi's sarcoma.
The expression of beta 2-microglobulin, the invariable light chain of HLA class I molecules, of Kaposi's sarcoma from 11 AIDS patients and from 11 patients without known immunodeficiency was studied by immunohistochemistry using a polyclonal antibody to beta 2-microglobulin. The staining intensity of spindle cells in these lesions was scored in a semiquantitative system. We found that the spindle cells of Kaposi's sarcomas from AIDS patients showed significantly increased staining intensity for beta 2-microglobulin compared to those of Kaposi's sarcomas from non-AIDS patients. The results may indicate that Kaposi's sarcomas developing in immunocompromised individuals, such as AIDS patients, are not subject to immune selection by T cells eliminating HLA class I high-expressing tumor cells, while this may be the case in non-AIDS patients. Alternatively, the results may be caused by differences in the activity of cytokines, which upregulate the expression of HLA class I molecules on the cell surface.
Petersen
B L
BL
Department of Pathology, Glostrup Hospital, Denmark.
Petersen
C L
CL
Jensen
A
A
Thomsen
H K
HK
Werdelin
O
O
Braendstrup
O
O
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012514:Sarcoma, Kaposi / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin