IMMUNE DYSFUNCTION AND THE PATHOGENESIS OF AIDS-ASSOCIATED NON-HODGKINS-LYMPHOMA

Much has been learned about how HIV-induced immune dysfunction contrib utes to B cell hyperactivation, and potentially, to the pathogenesis o f AIDS-lymphoma. However,further studies are needed to fully understan d how HIV infection and immune dysfunction promote B cell hyperactivat ion and the development/growth of AIDS-lymphoma. In particular studies are needed to define the role of HHV8 vIL6, IL6 receptor-expression, and lymphocyte surface stimulatory molecules, in promoting B cell hype ractivation or lymphoma cell growth.