Alterations of in vitro lymphocyte proliferation and immunoglobulin production in primary Kaposi's sarcoma

Mitogen induced lymphocyte proliferation and immunoglobulin production in vitro have been evaluated in 15 patients with primary Kaposi's sarcoma and in 10 control subjects. Determinations of serum immunoglobulins, complement fractions, immune complexes and β2 microglobulin have also been carried out. While serological tests showed only an increased level of immune complexes, the data on lymphocyte function revealed several major abnormalities. These abnromalities are comparable to those seen in Kaposi's sarcoma associated with the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, though the quantitative alterations in lymphocyte subsets typical of the latter, are absent in the primary form.