Human Endogenous Retrovirus Expression in Primary Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas

Background: Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) are the most frequent cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL). Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) were reverse transcribed and integrated into primate chromosomal DNA, becoming noninfectious, although various stimuli may reactivate them. HERV expression seems to be impaired in several human diseases but limited data regarding CTCL are available. Objective: To evaluate the endogenous retroviral transcription profile in CTCL and their expression among disease clinical stages. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 42 MF/SS patients were analyzed. Total RNA was extracted and amplified with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results were compared with those obtained in a cohort of 20 healthy donors. Results: HERVs were significantly overexpressed in MF/SS patients compared with healthy donors. No differences were found between early and advanced CTCL stages. Conclusion: HERVs can act as promoters in MF/SS pathogenesis. It remains to link HERV hyperexpression to the outcome in CTCL patients.