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Tracy Hampton, PhD

JAMA. 2006;295:2347.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Researchers at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases have identified a human cell surface molecule named xCT that plays a major role in infection by Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpesvirus (KSHV). This virus causes Kaposi sarcoma, the most common cancer associated with HIV infection, and other lymphoproliferative syndromes.

The investigators found that xCT mediates KSHV fusion with host cells and that expression of recombinant xCT renders otherwise nonsusceptible cells permissive for KSHV cell fusion and entry (Kaleeba JA and Berger EA. Science. 2006;311:1921-1924). In addition, antibodies against xCT can block KSHV fusion and entry into target cells.

Information from this study may allow scientists to determine whether levels of xCT expression determine disease severity. The discovery also may lead to the design of potential therapies for individuals infected with KSHV.

First identified as a rare multipigmented skin disease by a Hungarian doctor named Moritz Kaposi in . . . [Full Text of this Article]