HIV: Implication in Burkitt lymphoma

Abstract

The risk of Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is increased in HIV-infected patients as compared to general population in Europe and in the US. This effect might be due to immune suppression and low CD4-cell counts associated with the development of AIDS. However, there is also evidence of a direct effect of HIV on B cell proliferation and differentiation, which may account for the development of B cell malignancies. We shall discuss possible mechanisms of implication of HIV in BL with a focus on the role of different viral components (Tat, Nef and gp120 proteins, viral envelope) in the c-myc/IgH translocation characteristic of BL.