The inflammatory component of Kaposi sarcoma

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is intimately linked to several aspects of the host immune system. KS development is linked to immunodeficiency in several clinical-epidemiological settings. The development of KS at local inflammatory sites has also been documented. Inflammatory cells are almost always present within KS lesions. Depending upon the inflammatory milieu, KS lesions may progress or regress. Not surprisingly, iatrogenic manipulation of host immunity with drugs may provoke KS growth and/or flare. Given the close association between KS and the immune system, the etiologic agent Kaposi Sarcoma Herpesvirus has developed a variety of mechanisms to evade the host immune system, all of which have cleverly evolved to promote oncogenesis and viral persistence. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.