Co-expression of endothelial cell and macrophage antigens in Kaposi's sarcoma cells

J Pathol. 1994 May;173(1):23-31. doi: 10.1002/path.1711730105.

Abstract

The histopathogenesis of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) was investigated using immunocytochemistry in 12 skin biopsies obtained from two AIDS patients, nine patients with the classic form, and one organ-transplant patient. KS cells revealed a peculiar antigenic profile, being characterized by co-expression of endothelial and macrophage markers. KS cells were stained for von Willebrand factor (vWF); for vascular endothelial (VE) cadherin, an endothelial specific adhesion molecule; and for PECAM/CD31. In addition, they expressed the macrophage antigens PAM-1, CD68, and CD14, and were positive for vitronectin receptor and alpha-1,5,6/beta-1 integrins. KS cells were weakly stained for ICAM-1 in 6 of 12 cases and were negative for VCAM-1 and E-selectin.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / immunology
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / pathology*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antigens, CD / analysis
  • Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic / analysis
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / analysis
  • Capillaries
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / analysis
  • Endothelium, Lymphatic / pathology*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Integrins / analysis
  • Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / analysis
  • Lipopolysaccharide Receptors
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Macrophages / pathology*
  • Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1
  • Receptors, Cytoadhesin / analysis
  • Receptors, Vitronectin
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / immunology
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / pathology*
  • Skin / pathology*
  • Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1
  • von Willebrand Factor / analysis

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antigens, CD
  • Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic
  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • CD68 antigen, human
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Integrins
  • Lipopolysaccharide Receptors
  • Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1
  • Receptors, Cytoadhesin
  • Receptors, Vitronectin
  • Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1
  • von Willebrand Factor
  • Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1