Heterogeneity and Breadth of Host Antibody Response to KSHV Infection Demonstrated by Systematic Analysis of the KSHV Proteome

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004046
• Publication Date: 2014-03-27T21:11:10Z
• Authors: Nazzarena Labo; Wendell Miley; Vickie Marshall; William Gillette; Dominic Esposito; Matthew Bess; Alexandra Turano; Thomas Uldrick; Mark N. Polizzotto; Kathleen M. Wyvill; Rachel Bagni; Robert Yarchoan; Denise Whitby
• Keywords: ORFS; Multiplex; Lytic cycle; Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus; Proteome

The Kaposi sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) genome encodes more than 85 open reading frames (ORFs). Serological evaluation of KSHV infection now generally relies on reactivity to just one latent and/or lytic protein (commonly ORF73 and K8.1). Most the other polypeptides encoded by virus have unknown antigenic profiles. We systematically expressed purified products from 72 ORFs in recombinant systems analyzed seroreactivity US patients with KSHV-associated malignancies, blood donors (low seroprevalence population). identified several proteins (ORF38, ORF61, ORF59 K5) that elicited significant responses individuals diseases. In these patients, patterns were heterogeneous; however, HIV appeared be breadth intensity serological responses. Improved characterization additional may increase sensitivity serologic assays, lead rapid progresses understanding immune KSHV, allow for better comprehension natural history infection. To this end, we developed a bead-based multiplex assay detecting antibodies six antigens.