Premium
Nadir B cell counts are significantly correlated with the risk of Kaposi's sarcoma
Author(s) -
Stebbing Justin,
Gazzard Brian,
NewsomDavis Tom,
Nelson Mark,
Patterson Steve,
Gotch Frances,
Mandalia Sundhiya,
Bower Mark
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
international journal of cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.475
H-Index - 234
eISSN - 1097-0215
pISSN - 0020-7136
DOI - 10.1002/ijc.11601
Subject(s) - nadir , cd19 , incidence (geometry) , sarcoma , kaposi's sarcoma , immune system , immunology , carcinogenesis , medicine , b cell , biology , pathology , cancer , antibody , physics , satellite , human herpesvirus , optics , engineering , aerospace engineering
Infection with HIV‐1 is known to impair B cell function. To further elucidate the role of B cells during infection and tumorigenesis, we studied their numbers in cases of AIDS‐related Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) during the HAART era. Patients with AIDS‐related KS were identified from a database of 4,480 HIV‐1 positive individuals and the incidence of KS and rate ratio was stratified according to nadir number of B cells, measured as the CD19 count. In an unadjusted model, we observed that lower B cell counts were associated with a statistically significant increased risk of KS development ( p < 0.001). We also observed a trend toward increased counts during KS resolution. When adjusted for nadir CD4 count in a multi‐variable model, higher B cell counts were protective against KS development ( p = 0.015). These data highlight a potential role for B cells and therefore the humoral immune system in KS aetiopathogenesis. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.