Inflammasome activation in patients with Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV)-associated disorders.

Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV)-associated disorders include Kaposi sarcoma (KS), primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), KSHV-associated multicentric Castleman disease (MCD) and KSHV-inflammatory cytokine syndrome (KICS). PEL, MCD, and KICS are associated with elevated circulating inflammatory cytokines. However, activation of the inflammasome, which generates IL-1 and IL-18 via active caspase-1/4/5, has not been evaluated in patients with KAD. Here we report that patients with HIV and one or more KAD present with higher plasma levels of IL-18 and increased caspase-1/4/5 activity in circulating monocytes as compared to HIV-negative healthy volunteers (HV) or people with HIV without KAD (PWH). Within KAD subtypes, KICS and MCD shared enhanced caspase-1/4/5 activity and IL-18 production when compared to HV and PWH, while patients with PEL showed remarkably high levels of inflammasome complex formation (known as apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (CARD) (ASC)-speck). Moreover, caspase-1/4/5 activity and IL-18 plasma levels correlated with KSHV viral load, indicating KSHV-driven inflammasome activation in KAD. Accordingly, factors released by KSHV-latently infected cells triggered inflammasome activation and cytokine production in bystander monocytes, in vitro. Finally, both supervised and unsupervised analyses with inflammasome measurements and other inflammatory biomarkers demonstrate a unique inflammatory profile in patients with PEL, MCD, and KICS as compared to KS. Our data indicate that detrimental inflammation in patients with KAD is at least partially driven by KSHV-induced inflammasome activation in monocytes, thus offering novel approaches to diagnose and treat these complex disorders.

HIV-associated cancers and lymphoproliferative disorders caused by Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus and Epstein-Barr virus.

SUMMARYWithin weeks of the first report of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in 1981, it was observed that these patients often had Kaposi sarcoma (KS), a hitherto rarely seen skin tumor in the USA. It soon became apparent that AIDS was also associated with an increased incidence of high-grade lymphomas caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The association of AIDS with KS remained a mystery for more than a decade until Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) was discovered and found to be the cause of KS. KSHV was subsequently found to cause several other diseases associated with AIDS and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. People living with HIV/AIDS continue to have an increased incidence of certain cancers, and many of these cancers are caused by EBV and/or KSHV. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, virology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and treatment of cancers caused by EBV and KSHV in persons living with HIV.

Real-World Multicenter Study of PD-1 Blockade in HIV-Associated Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma Across the United States.

BACKGROUND: Despite a higher risk of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) in people with HIV and the demonstrated safety and efficacy of PD-1 blockade in cHL, there are limited data on the use of these agents in HIV-associated cHL (HIV-cHL). PATIENTS/METHODS: We retrospectively identified patients with HIV-cHL from the "Cancer Therapy using Checkpoint inhibitors in People with HIV-International (CATCH-IT)" database who received nivolumab or pembrolizumab, alone or in combination with other agents, and reviewed records for demographics, disease characteristics, immune-mediated adverse events (imAEs), and treatment outcomes. Changes in CD4+ T-cell counts with treatment were measured via Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Overall response rate (ORR) was defined as the proportion of patients with partial or complete response (PR/CR) per 2014 Lugano classification. RESULTS: We identified 23 patients with HIV-cHL who received a median of 6 cycles of PD-1 blockade: 1 as 1st-line, 6 as 2nd-line, and 16 as ≥3rd-line therapy. Seventeen (74%) patients received monotherapy, 5 (22%) received nivolumab plus brentuximab vedotin, and 1 received nivolumab plus ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide. The median baseline CD4+ T-cell count was 155 cells/µL, which increased to 310 cells/µL at end-of-treatment (P = .009). Three patients had grade 3 imAEs; none required treatment discontinuation. The ORR was 83% with median duration of response of 19.7 months. The median progression-free survival was 21.2 months and did not differ between patients with <200 versus ≥200 CD4+ cells/µL (P = .95). CONCLUSION: Our findings support the use of PD-1 blockade in HIV-cHL for the same indications as the general population with cHL.

Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus viral load in bronchoalveolar lavage as a diagnostic marker for pulmonary Kaposi sarcoma.

OBJECTIVE: Kaposi sarcoma is a vascular tumor that affects the pulmonary system. However, the diagnosis of airway lesions suggestive of pulmonary Kaposi sarcoma (pKS) is reliant on bronchoscopic visualization. We evaluated the role of Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) viral load in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) as a diagnostic biomarker in patients with bronchoscopic evidence of pKS and evaluated inflammatory cytokine profiles in BAL and blood samples. DESIGN: In this retrospective study, we evaluated KSHV viral load and cytokine profiles within BAL and blood samples in patients who underwent bronchoscopy for suspected pKS between 2016 and 2021. METHODS: KSHV viral load and cytokine profiles were obtained from both the circulation and BAL samples collected at the time of bronchoscopy to evaluate compartment-specific characteristics. BAL was centrifuged and stored as cell pellets and KSHV viral load was measured using primers for the KSHV K6 gene regions. RESULTS: We evaluated 38 BAL samples from 32 patients (30 with HIV co-infection) of whom 23 had pKS. In patients with airway lesions suggestive of pKS, there was higher KSHV viral load (median 3188 vs. 0 copies/10 6 cell equivalent; P  = 0.0047). A BAL KSHV viral load cutoff of 526 copies/10 6 cells had a sensitivity of 72% and specificity of 89% in determining lesions consistent with pKS. Those with pKS also had higher IL-1ß and IL-8 levels in BAL. The 3-year survival rate for pKS patients was 55%. CONCLUSION: KSHV viral load in BAL shows potential for aiding in pKS diagnosis. Patients with pKS also have evidence of cytokine dysregulation in BAL.

State of the science and future directions for research on HIV and cancer: Summary of a joint workshop sponsored by IARC and NCI.

An estimated 38 million people live with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) worldwide and are at excess risk for multiple cancer types. Elevated cancer risks in people living with HIV (PLWH) are driven primarily by increased exposure to carcinogens, most notably oncogenic viruses acquired through shared transmission routes, plus acceleration of viral carcinogenesis by HIV-related immunosuppression. In the era of widespread antiretroviral therapy (ART), life expectancy of PLWH has increased, with cancer now a leading cause of co-morbidity and death. Furthermore, the types of cancers occurring among PLWH are shifting over time and vary in their relative burden in different parts of the world. In this context, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the US National Cancer Institute (NCI) convened a meeting in September 2022 of multinational and multidisciplinary experts to focus on cancer in PLWH. This report summarizes the proceedings, including a review of the state of the science of cancer descriptive epidemiology, etiology, molecular tumor characterization, primary and secondary prevention, treatment disparities and survival in PLWH around the world. A consensus of key research priorities and recommendations in these domains is also presented.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and the noncytomegalovirus herpesviruses.

Although hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and other cellular therapies have significantly improved outcomes in the management of multiple hematological and nonhematological malignancies, the resulting impairment in humoral and cellular response increases the risk for opportunistic infection as an undesirable side effect. With their ability to establish latent infection and reactivate when the host immune system is at its weakest point, the Herpesviridae family constitutes a significant proportion of these opportunistic pathogens. Despite recent advancements in preventing and managing herpesvirus infections, they continue to be a common cause of significant morbidity and mortality in transplanted patients. Herein, we aim to provide and update on herpesvirus other than cytomegalovirus (CMV) affecting recipients of HSCT and other cellular therapies.

Fertility outcomes following surgery and multiagent chemotherapy in malignant ovarian germ cell tumor survivors: a survey study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess fertility outcomes in long-term survivors of malignant ovarian germ cell tumors treated with fertility-sparing surgery with or without additional chemotherapy. METHODS: Women diagnosed and treated for malignant ovarian germ cell tumors at Charing Cross Hospital or Mount Vernon Cancer Centre between 1977 and 2015 were included. Questionnaires assessing fertility issues were sent to patients treated with fertility-sparing surgery. Fertility outcomes were evaluated according to the treatment received. The effect of the mean total dose of cyclophosphamide and cisplatin was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 146 patients were sent the questionnaire; 77 (56.5%) patients were included in the analysis. A total of 49 (64%) patients received platinum-based chemotherapy after surgery, 39 (79.6%) of these with cisplatin, vincristine, methotrexate, bleomycin, actinomycin D, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide, while 10 (20.4%) with bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin. After any treatment, 39/46 patients (85%) became pregnant: the conception rate was not different between those receiving surgery only and those receiving also chemotherapy (85.7% vs 84.4%, p=1.0). Live birth rate was 80.4% (37/46), with no statistically significant difference between the treatment groups (p=0.42). Median age of women achieving conception was 29 years (IQR 26-33). The probability of live birth at 5 years was 48% and 40% for patients in the surgery only and chemotherapy group, respectively (p=0.55). Infertility and miscarriage rates did not differ significantly between the two treatment groups (p=0.30 and p=0.32). The mean doses of cisplatin and cyclophosphamide received by patients failing and achieving conception were not different (p=0.10, p=0.47). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that fertility may not be hampered in patients with malignant ovarian germ cell tumor treated with fertility-sparing surgery or receiving additional chemotherapy.

Transcriptional landscape of Kaposi sarcoma tumors identifies unique immunologic signatures and key determinants of angiogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a multicentric tumor caused by Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) that leads to morbidity and mortality among people with HIV worldwide. KS commonly involves the skin but can occur in the gastrointestinal tract (GI) in severe cases. METHODS: RNA sequencing was used to compare the cellular and KSHV gene expression signatures of skin and GI KS lesions in 44 paired samples from 19 participants with KS alone or with concurrent KSHV-associated diseases. Analyses of KSHV expression from KS lesions identified transcriptionally active areas of the viral genome. RESULTS: The transcript of an essential viral lytic gene, ORF75, was detected in 91% of KS lesions. Analyses of host genes identified 370 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) unique to skin KS and 58 DEGs unique to GI KS lesions as compared to normal tissue. Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 gene expression were higher in skin lesions as compared to normal skin but not in GI KS lesions. Twenty-six cellular genes were differentially expressed in both skin and GI KS tissues: these included Fms-related tyrosine kinase 4 (FLT4), encoding an angiogenic receptor, and Stanniocalcin 1 (STC1), a secreted glycoprotein. FLT4 and STC1 were further investigated in functional studies using primary lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs). In these models, KSHV infection of LECs led to increased tubule formation that was impaired upon knock-down of STC1 or FLT4. CONCLUSIONS: This study of transcriptional profiling of KS tissue provides novel insights into the characteristics and pathogenesis of this unique virus-driven neoplasm.

Clinical management of Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus-associated diseases: an update on disease manifestations and treatment strategies.

INTRODUCTION: Kaposi sarcoma herpes virus (KSHV) is associated with several diseases including Kaposi sarcoma, a form of multicentric Castleman's disease, primary effusion lymphoma, and an inflammatory cytokine syndrome. These KSHV-associated diseases (KAD) can present with heterogenous signs and symptoms that are often associated with cytokine dysregulation that may result in multiorgan dysfunction. The inability to promptly diagnose and treat these conditions can result in long-term complications and mortality. AREAS COVERED: Existing epidemiological subtypes of existing KSHV-associated diseases, specifically Kaposi sarcoma as well as the incidence of several KSHV-associated disorders are described. We review the KSHV latent and lytic phases as they correlate with KSHV-associated diseases. Given the complicated presentations, we discuss the clinical manifestations, current diagnostic criteria, existing treatment algorithms for individual KAD, and when they occur concurrently. With emerging evidence on the virus and host interactions, we evaluate novel approaches for the treatment of KAD. An extensive literature search was conducted to support these findings. EXPERT OPINION: KSHV leads to complex and concurrent disease processes that are often underdiagnosed both in the United States and worldwide. New therapies that exist for many of these conditions focus on chemotherapy-sparing options that seek to target the underlying viral pathogenesis or immunotherapy strategies.

Immunophenotypic analysis in participants with Kaposi sarcoma following pomalidomide administration.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate baseline differences by HIV status and the impact of pomalidomide on lymphocyte counts and T-cell subsets in patients with Kaposi sarcoma. DESIGN: We prospectively evaluated CD4 + and CD8 + T-cell phenotypes in 19 participants with Kaposi sarcoma enrolled on a phase 1/2 study of pomalidomide (NCT01495598), seven without HIV and 12 with HIV on antiretroviral therapy. METHODS: Trial participants received pomalidomide 5 mg orally for 21 days of 28-day cycles for up to 1 year. Flow cytometry was performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells at baseline, after three cycles, and at end-of-treatment. Lymphocyte count and T-cell subset comparisons were evaluated by Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann--Whitney tests. RESULTS: At baseline, HIV + participants had lower CD4 + cell counts (median 416 vs. 742 CD4 + T cells/µl, P  = 0.006), and a decreased proportion of CD57 + (senescent) CD8 + T cells ( P  = 0.007) compared with HIV - participants. After three cycles, pomalidomide led to an increased proportion of CD45RO + CD27 + (central memory) CD4 + ( P  = 0.002) and CD8 + ( P  = 0.002) T cells, a decrease in CD45RO - CD27 - (effector) CD4 + cells ( P  = 0.0002), and expansion of CD38 + /HLADR + (activated) CD4 + ( P  = 0.002) and CD8 + ( P  ≤ 0.0001) T cells. Increased numbers of activated CD8 + T cells persisted at end-of-treatment ( P  = 0.002). After three cycles and at end-of-treatment, there was reduction in the proportion of CD57 + (senescent) CD4 + ( P  = 0.001, 0.0006), and CD8 + ( P  =  < 0.0001, 0.0004) T cells. CONCLUSION: Administration of pomalidomide decreased T-cell senescence and increased T-cell activation in patients with Kaposi sarcoma, suggesting pomalidomide activity in Kaposi sarcoma stems in part from its immunomodulatory effects.

Discriminatory Changes in Circulating Metabolites as a Predictor of Hepatocellular Cancer in Patients with Metabolic (Dysfunction) Associated Fatty Liver Disease.

Introduction: The burden of metabolic (dysfunction) associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is rising mirrored by an increase in hepatocellular cancer (HCC). MAFLD and its sequelae are characterized by perturbations in lipid handling, inflammation, and mitochondrial damage. The profile of circulating lipid and small molecule metabolites with the development of HCC is poorly characterized in MAFLD and could be used in future studies as a biomarker for HCC. Methods: We assessed the profile of 273 lipid and small molecule metabolites by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry in serum from patients with MAFLD (n = 113) and MAFLD-associated HCC (n = 144) from six different centers. Regression models were used to identify a predictive model of HCC. Results: Twenty lipid species and one metabolite, reflecting changes in mitochondrial function and sphingolipid metabolism, were associated with the presence of cancer on a background of MAFLD with high accuracy (AUC 0.789, 95% CI: 0.721-0.858), which was enhanced with the addition of cirrhosis to the model (AUC 0.855, 95% CI: 0.793-0.917). In particular, the presence of these metabolites was associated with cirrhosis in the MAFLD subgroup (p < 0.001). When considering the HCC cohort alone, the metabolic signature was an independent predictor of overall survival (HR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.09-1.83, p < 0.01). Conclusion: These exploratory findings reveal a metabolic signature in serum which is capable of accurately detecting the presence of HCC on a background of MAFLD. This unique serum signature will be taken forward for further investigation of diagnostic performance as biomarker of early stage HCC in patients with MAFLD in the future.

Daratumumab induces cell-mediated cytotoxicity of primary effusion lymphoma and is active against refractory disease.

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), an aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma caused by Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), lacks standard therapy and has a median survival of 10-22 months with combination chemotherapy. PEL is a tumor of plasmablast-like B cells generally expressing CD38, the target of daratumumab (Dara). Initially, we assessed PEL cells from eight patients and established that each expressed high levels of CD38 by flow cytometry. PEL cell lines were also evaluated and most had high CD38 expression. We then assessed Dara's effects on complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) of PEL cell lines as well as its clinical benefits on two patients with PEL. Despite high CD38 expression, Dara did not induce CDC of PEL cell lines, due in part to high levels of the complement-inhibitory proteins, CD55 and CD59. However, Dara induced significant and dose-dependent increases in ADCC, particularly in those lines with high CD38 levels. Two FDA-approved drugs, all trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) and pomalidomide (Pom), significantly increased surface CD38 levels in low-CD38 expressing PEL cell lines, resulting in increased Dara-induced ADCC. Two patients with refractory PEL were treated with Dara alone or in combination with Pom. One patient with leptomeningeal PEL had a complete response to Dara and Pom combination treatment. Others had improvement in performance status and resolution of malignant ascites with Dara alone. Together, these data support the use of Dara monotherapy or in combination with ATRA or Pom as a potential therapeutic option for PEL.

A novel approach for characterization of KSHV-associated multicentric Castleman disease from effusions.

A biopsy of lymphoid tissue is currently required to diagnose Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)-associated multicentric Castleman disease (KSHV-MCD). Patients showing clinical manifestations of KSHV-MCD but no pathological changes of KSHV-MCD are diagnosed as KSHV inflammatory cytokine syndrome. However, a lymph node biopsy is not always feasible to make the distinction. A pathognomonic feature of lymph nodes in KSHV-MCD is the expansion of KSHV-infected, lambda-restricted but polyclonal plasmablasts. To investigate whether these cells also reside in extra-nodal sites, effusion from 11 patients with KSHV-MCD and 19 with KSHV inflammatory cytokine syndrome was analysed by multiparametric flow cytometry. A distinct, lambda-restricted plasmablastic population (LRP) with highly consistent immunophenotype was detected in effusions in 8/11 patients with KSHV-MCD. The same population was also observed in 7/19 patients with KSHV inflammatory cytokine syndrome. The detection of LRP stratified KSHV inflammatory cytokine syndrome into two clinically distinct subgroups; those with detectable LRP closely resembled KSHV-MCD, showing similar KSHV viral load, comparable severity of thrombocytopenia and hypoalbuminaemia, and similar incidences of hepatosplenomegaly. Collectively, the detection of LRP by flow cytometry can serve as a valuable tool in diagnosing KSHV-MCD. KSHV inflammatory cytokine syndrome with LRP in effusions may represent a liquid-form of KSHV-MCD.

Immunotherapy for KSHV-associated diseases.

Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV)-associated diseases (Kaposi sarcoma, multicentric Castleman disease, primary effusion lymphoma, and KSHV inflammatory cytokine syndrome) are associated with immune suppression and dysregulation and loss of KSHV-specific immunity. These diseases are most frequent in people living with HIV as well as those with primary or iatrogenic immune deficiencies. KSHV itself can modulate the immune system via viral homologs of host cytokines or downregulation of immune-surface markers altering host immune surveillance. These factors make KSHV-associated diseases prime targets for immunotherapy approaches. Several agents have been studied or are under investigation in KSHV-associated diseases, including monoclonal antibodies, immunomodulatory agents, and therapeutic cytokines. Here, we review the role of immunotherapies in KSHV-associated diseases.

Characteristics of patients admitted to the ICU with Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus-associated diseases.

OBJECTIVE: There are four conditions caused by Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV): Kaposi sarcoma, KSHV-associated multicentric Castleman disease (MCD), primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), and KSHV inflammatory cytokine syndrome (KICS). These KSHV-associated disorders (KADs) often occur in people with HIV and can lead to multiorgan dysfunction requiring admission to the ICU. However, little is known about patient outcomes in this setting. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients with KADs admitted to the ICU between 2010 and 2021 was conducted, examining KAD admission diagnoses, HIV characteristics, selected cytokine profiles, and ICU interventions. Primary outcomes were 60-day and median overall survival from ICU admission to death from any cause. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients (all but one with HIV coinfection) were included. At ICU admission, 44 patients (94%) were on antiretroviral therapy with a median CD4 + count of 88 cells/µl and HIV viral load of 23 copies/ml. The most common presentation was respiratory failure alone (19%) or with hypotension (17%). Twenty-two (47%) patients had presumed KICS (with or without Kaposi sarcoma) at admission and an additional KAD was diagnosed in 36% of these patients. IL-6 levels did not vary across KAD subtype. Twenty (43%) patients received KAD-directed therapy in the ICU. Sixty-day survival was 70% and median overall survival was 9 months. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients with HIV and KADs admitted to the ICU had well controlled HIV. Additional KAD were diagnosed during ICU admission in a proportion of patients who presented with presumed KICS. Critical illness did not preclude a subset of patients from receiving KAD-directed therapy in the ICU.