Identification of herpesvirus-like DNA sequences in AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma

Science. 1994 Dec 16;266(5192):1865-9. doi: 10.1126/science.7997879.

Abstract

Representational difference analysis was used to isolate unique sequences present in more than 90 percent of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) tissues obtained from patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). These sequences were not present in tissue DNA from non-AIDS patients, but were present in 15 percent of non-KS tissue DNA samples from AIDS patients. The sequences are homologous to, but distinct from, capsid and tegument protein genes of the Gammaherpesvirinae, herpesvirus saimiri and Epstein-Barr virus. These KS-associated herpesvirus-like (KSHV) sequences appear to define a new human herpesvirus.

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / complications*
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Base Composition
  • Base Sequence
  • Blotting, Southern
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • DNA, Viral / analysis*
  • DNA, Viral / chemistry
  • DNA, Viral / genetics
  • Female
  • Herpesviridae / genetics*
  • Herpesvirus 2, Saimiriine / genetics
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / genetics
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Nucleic Acid Hybridization
  • Open Reading Frames
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / etiology
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / virology*
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid

Substances

  • DNA, Viral

Associated data

  • GENBANK/U18551
  • GENBANK/U18552