Transgenic expression of the chemokine receptor encoded by human herpesvirus 8 induces an angioproliferative disease resembling Kaposi's sarcoma

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8, also known as Kaposi's sarcoma [KS]-associated h erpesvirus) has been implicated as an etiologic agent for KS, an angiogenic tumor composed of endothelial, inflammatory, and spindle cells. Here, we r eport that transgenic mice expressing the HHV8-encoded chemokine receptor ( viral G protein-coupled receptor) within hematopoietic cells develop angiop roliferative lesions in multiple organs that morphologically resemble KS le sions. These lesions are characterized by a spectrum of changes ranging fro m erythematous maculae to vascular tumors, by the presence of spindle and i nflammatory cells, and by expression of vGPCR, CD34, and vascular endotheli al growth factor. We conclude that vGPCR contributes to the development of the angioproliferative lesions observed in these mice and suggest that this chemokine receptor may play a role in the pathogenesis of KS in humans.