KAPOSIS-SARCOMA-ASSOCIATED HERPESVIRUS-INFECTION OF BONE-MARROW DENDRITIC CELLS FROM MULTIPLE-MYELOMA PATIENTS

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) was found in the bone m arrow dendritic cells of multiple myeloma patients but not in malignan t plasma cells or bone marrow dendritic cells from normal individuals or patients with other malignancies. In addition the virus was detecte d in the bone marrow dendritic cells from two out of eight patients wi th monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), a precur sor to myeloma. Viral interleukin-6, the human homolog of which is a g rowth factor for myeloma, was found to be transcribed in the myeloma b one marrow dendritic cells. KSHV may be required for transformation fr om MGUS to myeloma and perpetuate the growth of malignant plasma cells .