Identification of human herpesvirus 8-specific cytotoxic T-cell responses

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8)(or Kaposi's sarcoma;associated herpesvirus) is implicated in the etiopathogenesis of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) and certain lym phoproliferations. The introduction of more effective therapies to treat hu man immunodeficiency virus infection has led to a decline in the incidence of KS and also in the resolution of KS in those already affected, This sugg ests that cellular immune responses including cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs ) could play a vital role in the control of HHV-8 infection and in KS patho genesis. Here we elucidate HLA class I-restricted, HHV-8-specific cellular immune responses that could be important in the control of HRV-I infection and subsequent tumor development. We show the presence of CTLs against HHV- 8 latent (K12), lytic (K8.1), and highly variable (K1) proteins in infected individuals.