Cytotoxic cells and granzyme B expression in lesions of classic and AIDS - associated Kaposi's sarcoma

Abstract

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is an angioproliferative disease characterized by neoangiogenesis, extravasation of red cells, lymphocytic infiltrate, proliferation of spindle cells and edema. The pathogenesis of KS is a complex chain of events that involves the interaction between human herpesvirus 8, the pro-inflammatory and inflammatory cytokines, angiogenic factors and human immunodeficiency virus-1 when present, culminating in the development and progression of tumor. However, how these factors interact to initiate the tumor is still not completely understood. Published studies show that HIV and HHV-8 interfere with the cytotoxic activity of CD8 + T lymphocytes and natural killer cells through several mechanisms. Since the cytotoxic immune response is of fundamental importance in host immunity against viral infections and tumor cells, how would be their behavior in the microenvironment of KS lesions? Thus, the objective of this work will be characterized by immunohistochemistry using specific antibodies, natural killer cells, CD8 + T lymphocytes and expression of granzyme B in the lesions of classic and AIDS associated Kaposi's sarcoma. (AU)