Specific expression of Epstein-Barr virus in cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas from heart transplant recipients.
BACKGROUND
We investigated a Swedish group of 114 immunosuppressed cardiac allograft patients for the occurrence of posttransplant cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas. A total of 15 tumors were detected in specimens from 5 patients.


METHODS
The tumors were analyzed for the presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genomes as well as EBV-specific gene expression by using three different techniques; the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry. The material was also tested by PCR for high-risk human papilloma virus genome.


RESULTS
EBV DNA could be detected by PCR in 10 of the investigated tumors, 7 of which also expressed EBV latent membrane protein 1 and/or EBV-encoded RNAs. No EBV genomes or EBV gene products could be detected in normal skin/resection margins, available from three of the tumors investigated. All tumors were negative for high-risk human papilloma virus DNA analyzed by PCR.


CONCLUSIONS
In this study, we have found a high incidence of EBV-specific expression in posttransplant cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas. These results suggest that at least some of the skin cancers developing in immunocompromised heart transplant recipients are associated with EBV.
Ternesten-Bratel
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A
Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Pathology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
Kjellström
C
C
Ricksten
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A
D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000821:virology*; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000821:virology*; D014763:Viral Matrix Proteins / Q000032:analysis
D004279:DNA, Viral; C037662:EBV-associated membrane antigen, Epstein-Barr virus; D014763:Viral Matrix Proteins