Herpesvirus-induced antigens in squamous-cell carcinoma in situ of the vulva

Synergism of herpes simplex virus and tobacco-specific N'-nitrosamines in cell transformation

Previous studies indicate that herpes simplex virus (HSV) enhances the carcinogenic activity of smokeless tobacco and tobacco-related chemical carcinogens in animals. Since tobacco-specific N'-nitrosamines (TSNAs) such as N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) and 4-(N-methyl-N'-nitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) are major chemical carcinogens of smokeless tobacco and are known to be responsible for the development of oral cancers in smokeless tobacco users, the combined effects of TSNAs and HSV in cell transformation were investigated. Exposure of cells to NNN or NNK followed by virus infection resulted in a significant enhancement of transformation frequency when compared with that observed with chemical carcinogens or virus alone. This study suggests that TSNAs and HSV can interact together and show synergism in cell transformation.

Three cell lines from hamster buccal pouch tumors induced by topical 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene, alone or in conjunction with herpes simplex virus inoculation

Three squamous carcinoma cell lines HBPC-1, HBPC-2, and HBPC-3 were established from hamster buccal pouch tumors induced by topical 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) treatment alone, topical DMBA treatment in conjunction with type 1 herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) inoculation, and topical DMBA application in combination with type 2 HSV (HSV-2) inoculation, respectively. The cells were epithelial in morphology, had a doubling time of approximately 18 h, and required bovine serum for optimal growth. They demonstrated an in vitro anchorage-independent growth and produced squamous cell carcinomas when transplanted into normal hamster pouch submucosa. The carcinoma cell lines equally expressed cellular hst, src, abl, and raf proto-oncogenes that were not expressed in the normal hamster pouch epithelial cells. An equal amount of fos gene expression was noticed in the normal pouch epithelial cells, HBPC-1 and HBPC-3, but the HBPC-2 expressed less fos poly(A+)RNA than the other cell lines. The myc proto-oncogene was also expressed both in the normal pouch epithelial cells and in the cancer cell lines. However, the size and number of expressed myc poly(A+)RNA in the normal cells and cancer cell lines differed. Although the normal cells and HBPC-1 expressed a single myc transcript, 1.7-kilobase (kb) and 2.3-kb, respectively, both HBPC-2 and HBPC-3 expressed two myc poly(A+)RNAs, 1.7-kb and 2.3-kb.

Genital herpes. An overview

Data from the National Disease and Therapeutic Index (NDTI) Survey indicate that the number of physician-patient consultations concerning genital herpes increased 15-fold between 1966 and 1984. Because of the increased incidence of genital herpes, the great variance in symptoms and severity of outbreaks, and the frequent misrepresentation of the nature of herpes simplex, all health-care practitioners should receive up-to-date information on the disorder. This article is intended to educate health-care professionals about genital herpes.

Active HSV-1 immunization prevents the cocarcinogenic activity of HSV-1 in the oral cavity of hamsters

Previous investigations have demonstrated that herpes simplex virus (HSV) increased the oral carcinogenic activity of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) probably by enhancing the DMBA-induced amplification and overexpression of c-erb-B-1 proto-oncogene in hamster buccal pouch epithelium. The present study investigated the effect of active type 1 HSV (HSV-1) immunization on the development of oral cancer induced by HSV-1 and DMBA, alone or in combination, in the hamster buccal pouch. The results were similar to our previous report in that HSV-1 significantly enhanced the oncogenic effect of DMBA, and the numbers of pouches harboring tumor nodules and the numbers and sizes of tumors developed by topical DMBA were significantly increased by HSV-1 inoculation to the site of the DMBA application. Although HSV-1 immunization did not alter the carcinogenic activity of DMBA in animals receiving topical DMBA in combination with mock inoculation, it prevented the cocarcinogenic effect of HSV-1 in animals receiving topical DMBA in conjunction with HSV-1 inoculation. These data indicate that active HSV-1 immunization completely obstructs the co-oncogenic effect of HSV-1 in the oral cavity of hamsters.

Intraepithelial neoplasia of the lower genital tract

The incidence of CIN, VIN, and VAIN has increased dramatically in recent years due to a true increase in disease incidence as well as improved screening methods. Associated high-risk factors in the development of intraepithelial neoplasia are known, and effective treatment modalities are available. With the use of diagnostic techniques, patient education, and selection and utilization of appropriate therapies, intraepithelial neoplasia of the lower genital tract remains a disease that should not affect long-term morbidity, social status, or mortality of female patients.

Effect of snuff extract on the replication and synthesis of viral DNA and proteins in cells infected with herpes simplex virus

The water-extractable component of snuff (snuff extract) inhibits the replication of herpes simplex virus (HSV) by suppressing the synthesis of viral DNA. This process probably causes HSV to be oncogenic. To further understand the mechanism of inhibitory action of snuff extract on HSV replication, the effect of snuff extract on the synthesis of viral DNA and proteins in type 1 HSV (HSV-1) infected cells was investigated. Snuff extract inhibited the synthesis of viral DNA and altered the production of certain classes of viral proteins. The syntheses of ICP4, a viral alpha-protein, and ICP8, a beta-protein, were not generally reduced by noncytotoxic concentrations of snuff extract (where ICP = infected cell polypeptide). However, snuff extracts significantly inhibited the production of ICP gC (glycoprotein C), a gamma 2-protein, and the inhibition was in a concentration-dependent fashion: the higher the concentration of snuff extracts, the greater the inhibition. Based on the fact that the production of alpha- and beta-proteins is absolutely necessary for and precedes the viral DNA synthesis and that viral gamma 2-proteins are mostly produced by the newly synthesized viral DNA, it is concluded that snuff extract inhibits HSV-1 DNA replication directly rather than indirectly via the alteration of viral protein synthesis.

Herpes simplex virus enhances the 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced carcinogenesis and amplification and overexpression of c-erb-B-1 proto-oncogene in hamster buccal pouch epithelium

We studied the effects of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) inoculation and topical 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) application, alone or in combination, on the carcinogenesis and on the amplification and expression of various cellular proto-oncogenes in hamster buccal pouch tissue. Topical DMBA treatment produced tumor formation in pouches, but HSV-1 inoculation, alone caused no neoplastic changes. In pouch tissues receiving both DMBA application and HSV-1 inoculation, the development of initial leukoplakia and tumor has hastened and enhanced in comparison with those receiving DMBA alone. Topical DMBA application to pouch tissue induced an amplification and an increase in the expression of cellular erb-B-1 (c-erb-B-1) proto-oncogene in the epithelial tissue, whereas repeated infection with HSV-1 alone did not. Topical DMBA combined with HSV-1 inoculation, however, resulted in greater amplification and expression of c-erb-B-1 proto-oncogene in the pouch epithelial tissue compared to the DMBA alone. These data indicate that HSV-1 inoculation significantly increases the carcinogenic activity of DMBA, in part, by probably enhancing DMBA-induced amplification and expression of c-erb-B-1 proto-oncogene in hamster buccal pouch tissue.

Detection of herpes simplex virus DNA in a cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma by in situ hybridization

A case of a cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) occurring at the site of a long-standing recurrent HSV infection is described. No deficit of the cell-mediated immunity was recorded. HSV2 was isolated in several viral cultures. HSV DNA was visualized in the SCC by in situ hybridization with biotinylated probes in paraffin-embedded tissue. The samples were negative for HPV2, 5, 16, and 18 probes. A causal relationship between HSV infection and cutaneous SCC is hypothesized.

Effect of smoked tobacco tar on the growth, cytolytic action, DNA synthesis, and gene expression of herpes simplex virus

Previous experiments have shown that topical application of smoked tobacco tar condensate to HSV-infected oral mucosae of mice promotes neoplastic changes. Although HSV is an oncogenic virus, the virus must be inactivated and lose its cytolytic activity to be oncogenic in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, we investigated the effect of the water-extractable components of smoked tobacco tar condensate (smoked tobacco tar extract) on the growth, cytolytic activity, DNA synthesis, and gene expression of type 1 herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). Diluted tar extracts in tissue culture medium markedly inhibited the replication and cytolytic activity of HSV-1 in vitro. The smoked tobacco tar extract also notably inhibited the synthesis of viral DNA and late gene expression in a dose-dependent manner. The synthesis of alpha- and beta-classes of viral proteins was not affected by the extract. Therefore, it is probable that the smoked tobacco tar extract inhibits the synthesis of viral DNA directly rather than indirectly by depressing early gene expression.

Establishment of two cell lines from hamster buccal pouch tumors induced by topical 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene and topical DMBA in conjunction with herpes simplex virus infection

Two cell lines designated HBPC-1 and HBPC-2 have been established from hamster buccal pouch tumors induced by topical 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) and DMBA in conjunction with type 1 herpes simplex virus infection, respectively. The cells are epithelial in morphology, have a doubling time of approximately 18 h, and require bovine serum for optimal growth. The karyotype is aneuploid, with several marker chromosomes, and the cells produce squamous cell carcinomas when transplanted into normal hamster pouch tissues.

Paget's disease of the vulva: search for herpes simplex virus antigens and human papillomavirus antigen and DNA

Specimens from three women with Paget's disease of the vulva were tested for presence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2) antigens and human papillomavirus (HPV) antigen and DNA. In one of the lesions, the HSV2-associated antigen ICSP 34/35 was demonstrated. Neither HPV antigens nor HPV DNA were detected in the lesions.

Multicentric intraepithelial neoplasia involving the vulva. Clinical features and association with human papillomavirus and herpes simplex virus

Sixteen of 46 patients (35%) with Grade 3 vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN 3) were found to have an additional site of lower genital tract squamous cell neoplasia, primarily in the cervix. The frequency of multicentricity decreased significantly with age. In addition, patients with multicentric disease (involving the vagina and/or cervix in addition to the vulva) had a significantly higher frequency of multifocal disease involving the vulva (involving more than one location on the vulva) and of recurrence than patients without multicentric disease. Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA was detected by in situ hybridization in 81% of the women with multicentric squamous cell neoplasia. No significant difference was noticed between patients with multicentric and unicentric squamous cell neoplasia in the detection rate of papillomavirus antigen, HPV DNA, the various HPV types, herpes simplex virus Type 2 (HSV2)-related antigen, type-specific antibodies to HSV, and dual HPV and HSV2 infections. These findings suggest that HPV and HSV2, although strongly associated with VIN 3, do not influence the development pattern of squamous cell neoplasia, and that all patients with VIN 3, especially if they are younger than 50 years of age, should be evaluated periodically for additional centers of lower genital tract squamous cell neoplasia.

Human papillomavirus and herpes simplex virus in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma in situ

Human papillomavirus deoxyribonucleic acid were detected in tissue specimens from 38 to 46 patients (83%) with squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the vulva. Herpes simplex virus type 2--related antigen ICSP 34/35 was demonstrated in 23 of the lesions (50%), and antibodies to herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 were found in 74% and 65% of the serum samples tested, respectively. Both human papillomavirus deoxyribonucleic acid and herpes simplex virus type 2 antigen were detected in 19 cases (41%). Correlation of human papillomavirus type to the ages of the patients revealed that types 16, 18, and 31 are most often seen in older patients, although the frequencies do not differ significantly. No relationship between the presence or absence of herpes simplex virus type 2--related antigen to age of the patient was observed.

Severely atypical changes in renal epithelium in biopsy and graft nephrectomy specimens in two cases of cadaver renal transplantation

Severely atypical metaplastic and dysplastic changes were noted in the lining epithelium of collecting tubules and pelvis of the graft kidneys in two cases of cadaver renal transplants on immunosuppressive treatment with azathioprine and prednisolone. These changes were observed in case 1 in a needle biopsy and a nephrectomy specimen, 3 and 3.5 years after transplantation respectively. In a second case, the patient received two cadaver grafts, and both transplants showed similar changes 2 years after transplantation. The risk of malignant disease in kidney transplant recipients is now well recognized. The implications of the severe dysplastic changes noted in these two cases are discussed.

Vulval intraepithelial neoplasia: clinical review

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Effect of smokeless tobacco on the replication of herpes simplex virus in vitro and on production of viral lesions in hamster cheek pouch

Previous experiments have shown that combination of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection and simulated snuff-dipping in hamster buccal pouches enhances the development of micro-invasive squamous cell carcinoma in cheek pouch epithelium. The effect has now been determined of water-extractable components of snuff (snuff-extract) on the growth and the cell-lysing activity of HSV. Various dilutions of snuff-extract in tissue culture medium significantly inhibited the growth of HSV in Vero cell monolayers by inhibiting the viral DNA replication. Moreover, HSV was inactivated and its cell-lysing activity lost when it was incubated with snuff-extract in cell-free condition. Snuff also had a similar anti-herpetic effect in vivo; HSV infection of pouch tissues followed by simulated snuff-dipping resulted in significant inhibition of viral growth. Thus snuff interferes with the DNA synthesis and cytolytic activity of HSV in vitro and in vivo, and this in turn, may increase its oncogenic capacity.

Carcinoma in situ of the vulva. Long term prognosis

Seventy-four patients with carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the vulva were followed over a 10-year period. The mean age was 52.8 years (range 21 to 90 years). Pruritus was the most common symptom. Forty per cent of the women were asymptomatic. Twenty-three per cent had a history of carcinoma in situ of the uterine cervix. Single lesions of CIS were found in the perineal area in 22 per cent, in the labia major and minor in 23 per cent, and in the clitoris in 7 per cent. Forty-two per cent of the patients had CIS in two or more of those areas. Seven of 74 patients (10%) had previously been irradiated for pelvic malignant tumours. Three women developed invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva, two of them were previously irradiated. All 74 patients were treated surgically in different ways. Out of 38 women with histologically free margins of surgery, 6 had recurrence of dysplasia or CIS.

Sequences homologous to two separate transforming regions of herpes simplex virus DNA are linked in two human genital tumors

Ten human genital invasive squamous cell carcinomas and five human premalignant tissues were analyzed for the presence of selected sets of herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) DNA sequences. Two vulvar tumors and one vulvar dysplastic tissue were found to contain DNA sequences homologous to the BglII O fragment (coordinates 0.38-0.42) and the BglII N fragment (coordinates 0.58-0.63) of HSV-2 DNA. These two fragments overlap the subsets of HSV-1 and HSV-2 DNA sequences (respectively) shown previously to transform cells in culture. Sequences homologous to an additional HSV-2 DNA probe (BglII G) were not detected in the same tumors. Surprisingly, in each of the two positive vulvar tumors, the BglII N and BglII O sequences appeared to be linked, whereas in the standard HSV-2 genome the two fragments are separated by approximately 26 kb. This finding suggested that the two sets of sequences may have rearranged prior to or following the association of the HSV DNA sequences with the tumor cells. The same set of 10 tumors were analyzed for the presence of sequences complementary to human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) DNA. The HPV16 DNA probe hybridized to three of six cervical tumors, whereas no hybridization was detected with the two vulvar tumors which contained the HSV DNA sequences.

Cancers of the anogenital region in renal transplant recipients. Analysis of 65 cases

There is a 100-fold increase in the incidence of carcinomas of the vulva and anus in renal transplant recipients compared with the general population. Anogenital (anus, perianal skin, and external genitalia of both sexes) carcinomas occurred in 65 of 2150 renal transplant recipients who presented with 2298 different types of malignancy. Two-thirds of the patients were female and one-third male. They were much younger than persons with similar tumors in the general population. The average age of the females at the time of diagnosis was 37 years (range, 20-64) and of the males, 45 years (range, 34-62). The neoplasms occurred late after transplantation, an average of 88 months (range, 9-215), compared with an average of 56 months (range, 1-225.5) for all other post-transplant malignancies. The lesions involved the vulva, penis, scrotum, anus, or perianal area. Two patients also had involvement of the urethral meatus. In several female patients, there was a "field effect" with multiple tumors of the squamous epithelium of the anogenital area, vagina, or uterine cervix. Lesions ranged from in situ carcinomas (in one-third of the cases) to those with invasion of adjacent organs and lymph node metastases. Treatment varied from local excisions to radical vulvectomy, abdominoperineal resection, or penile resection, sometimes combined with excision of the inguinal lymph nodes. In several patients, there was a previous history either of condyloma acuminatum or herpes genitalis, suggesting a possible viral etiology of these tumors.

Bowenoid papulosis. A clinicopathologic study with ultrastructural observations

One hundred eight patients were studied who had anogenital lesions showing microscopic features as seen in bowenoid papulosis (BP), a recently described condition occurring most commonly in young adults. Patients typically show multiple papules, small nodules, or plaques that clinically mimic verrucae or nevocellular nevi. Although the lesions show microscopic cytologic atypia, a distinction from Bowen's disease, erythroplasia of Queyrat, and other forms of carcinoma in situ can usually be made on the basis of histologic and clinical criteria. The disorder responds to conservative treatment, although recurrences are not uncommon. Evolution of the lesions to invasive carcinoma was not observed. Mounting evidence links the development of BP to infection with human papilloma virus, but other viruses, as well as hormonal and immunologic factors, may also play a role.

Serum antibodies to the major HSV-2-specified DNA-binding protein in patients with an acute HSV infection or cervical neoplasia

The major HSV-2-specified DNA-binding protein (ICSP 11/12) was purified from HSV-2-infected cells. ELISA and immunoblotting techniques were used to study its antigenicity in HSV-infected patients and patients with cervical neoplasia and control women. Patients with an acute HSV-2 infection had clearcut antibody responses to the purified ICSP 11/12 preparation. Determination of the ICSP 11/12 antibodies by ELISA revealed considerably higher serum antibody levels in patients with cervical carcinoma than in the controls.

Epidemiology of cancer of the vulva. A case-control study

Few epidemiologic studies have been undertaken to investigate the etiology of cancer of the vulva. To identify risk factors associated with this cancer, a case-control study was conducted in 149 patients with histologically proven vulvar carcinoma and the same number of control patients matched for age, race, marital status, and hospital from five U.S. metropolitan areas. As previously suspected, we found prior histories of leukoplakia of the vulva, inflammation of the vulva or vagina, and urogenital cancer to be significantly associated with vulvar cancer. In addition, we found moderately high odds ratios associated with occupational histories of private household maids and servants, and work in laundry, cleaning, and other garment services. A slightly increased odds ratio was associated with coffee consumption and a dose-response effect was demonstrated. The findings suggest that environmental exposures may play a role in vulvar carcinogenesis.

Combined effect of herpes simplex virus and tobacco on the histopathologic changes in lips of mice

In the present study we have examined the combined effect of HSV-1 inoculation and tobacco application (snuff water extract or smoking tar condensate) on the histopathologic changes of mouse labial mucosa. Two months' exposure to tobacco or HSV-1 inoculation alone did not induce dysplasia in the epithelium of labial mucosa, while HSV-1 inoculation combined with snuff water extract or smoking tar condensate produced epithelial dysplasia and other histomorphologic changes (that is, hyperkeratosis, increased granular cell layer thickness, acanthosis, and increased inflammatory cell infiltration in a significant number of animals). This result indicates that HSV-1 and tobacco could possibly act synergistically in the development of precancerous oral lesions and oral cancer.

Immunofluorescent evidence of prior herpes simplex virus type-2 infection in prostate carcinoma

The finding of herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) particles in prostatic carcinoma (PCa) tissue has led to speculation that the virus might cause this disease. We studied 27 PCa and 33 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) specimens for the presence of HSV-2 antigens by indirect immunofluorescent staining to HSV-2 using commercially prepared rabbit anti-HSV-2 and fluorescein-tagged goat and anti-rabbit antibody. The slides were randomly number coded by an impartial referee then read independently by each investigator. In cases of disagreement, new slides were prepared and read until agreement. The code was then broken. Seven of 27 PCa specimens and 8 of 33 BPH specimens showed positive staining. By contingency table analysis, the results were not statistically different (chi 2 = 0.0224; p greater than 0.8). In our series, there is no difference in the prevalence of HSV-2 staining between PCa and BPH. Further examination of our data failed to show any difference in the prevalence of staining for HSV-2 based on whether the source of the tissue was surgical or autopsy. We conclude that HSV-2 infection of the prostate is common (15/60 = 25%) but probably has no causal relationship to PCa.

Treatment of vulvar carcinoma in situ with the CO2 laser

Between January 1960 and December 1982, 142 patients with carcinoma in situ of the vulva were treated at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and UCLA Medical Center. Primary treatment consisted of wide excision in 45 patients; vulvectomy in 23 patients; topical chemotherapy in 9 patients; and CO2 laser therapy in 42 patients. Twenty-three patients were also treated with the CO2 laser for recurrent disease. Multifocal disease was present in 59% of the cases. Lesions involving the posterior vulva recurred most commonly, for both initial and recurrent disease. Results utilizing the CO2 are compared with the other methods of treating carcinoma in situ of the vulva. The CO2 laser is well suited for treatment of both multifocal and unifocal vulvar lesions, as it allows for maximal retention of vulvar integrity with no decrease in therapeutic efficacy.

Incidence of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 in penile lesions of college men

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) was isolated from penile lesions of 15 college men. Using (E)-5-(2-bromovinyl)-2'-deoxyuridine sensitivity, monoclonal antibody immunofluorescence, and restriction endonuclease EcoRI digestion of viral DNA, 4 of 15 (26%) isolates were found to be HSV-1, and 11 of 15 (74%) isolates were found to be HSV-2. It is likely that some of the genital HSV-1 infections are related to oral genital contact, but this fact could not be established for all cases, since the females in this group had previously been shown to have a high incidence of genital HSV-1.

Management of intraepithelial conjunctival tumors and squamous cell carcinomas

We compared the effects of excision, extensive freezing with a liquid nitrogen spray, and combined therapy with excision and superficial freezing with a liquid nitrogen probe on intraepithelial conjunctival tumors. After follow-up periods of at least 36 months, excision and extensive freezing produced recurrence rates similar to those previously reported (two of six lesions treated with excision alone recurred and three of nine treated with extensive freezing recurred), but excision combined with superficial freezing produced a recurrence rate of only 8% (two of 23 lesions recurred), almost three times better than any previously reported. Both lesions recurred in patients who had undergone previous therapy.

A herpesvirus antigen in human premalignant and malignant cervical biopsies and explants

Cervical biopsies and explant cultures from patients with squamous metaplasia, various grades of dysplasia, carcinoma in situ (CIS), and invasive squamous cell carcinoma were screened for VP143, an early nonstructural polypeptide of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), VP143 was identified in 31% of biopsies exhibiting severe dysplasia, 29% with CIS, and 41% with invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Similar results were obtained when explants derived from these biopsies were examined for VP143. The expression of the protein persisted in passaged subcultures in four of five invasive carcinomas which originally contained VP143. Staining for VP157, the major capsid protein of HSV-2, was absent. Furthermore, virus structures were not seen by electron microscopy and infectious virus was not isolated from cell cultures inoculated with biopsy extracts. These results suggest that VP143 was expressed in the premalignant and malignant cervical cells in the absence of productive viral infection. Thus, a fragment of the HSV-2 genome was retained within the cells, the expression of which resulted in the production of VP143.

Genetic analysis of temperature-sensitive mutants which define the gene for the major herpes simplex virus type 1 DNA-binding protein

We have assigned eight temperature-sensitive mutants of herpes simplex virus type 1 to complementation group 1-1. Members of this group fail to complement mutants in herpes simplex virus type 2 complementation group 2-2. The mutation of one member of group 1-1, tsHA1 of strain mP, has been shown to map in or near the sequence which encodes the major herpes simplex virus type 1 DNA-binding protein (Conley et al., J. Virol. 37:191-206, 1981). The mutations of five other members of group 1-1 map in or near the sequence in which the tsHA1 mutation maps, a sequence which lies near the center of UL between the genes for the viral DNA polymerase and viral glycoprotein gAgB. These mutants can be divided into two groups; the mutations of one group map between coordinates 0.385 and 0.398, and the mutations of the other group map between coordinates 0.398 and 0.413. At the nonpermissive temperature mutants in group 1-1 are viral DNA negative, and mutant-infected cells fail to react with monoclonal antibody to the 130,000-dalton DNA-binding protein. Taken together, these data indicate that mutants in complementation groups 1-1 and 2-2 define the gene for the major herpes simplex virus DNA-binding protein, an early gene product required for viral DNA synthesis.

Herpesviruses in metastatic Lucké renal adenocarcinoma

The etiologic agent of the renal adenocarcinoma of leopard frogs, Rana pipiens, is the Lucké tumor herpesvirus (LTHV). The virus is easily detected with thin section electron microscopy in primary tumors of frogs which have been exposed to a cold environment. Several spontaneous metastatic nodules and a large primary tumor were detected at autopsy of a frog which had been maintained at 4 degrees C for 73 days. LTHV was found not only in the primary tumor, as previously reported, but also was present in metastatic tumor cells in the liver, fat body, and bladder. The presence of LTHV in metastatic cells demonstrates that the differentiated state of primary Lucké tumor cells is retained in its metastatic colonies even at the fine structure level revealed by electron microscopy.

Expression of herpes simplex virus type 2 antigens in premalignant and malignant human vulvar cells

Vulvar biopsies and explants from patients with vulvitis, hyperkeratosis, condyloma acuminatum, severe dysplasia, and squamous cell carcinoma were screened for herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) antigens. Immunoperoxidase staining for VP143, an early nonstructural polypeptide of HSV-2, was identified within three biopsies exhibiting severe dysplasia, three of seven with carcinoma in situ, and one of three with invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Similar staining for VP143 was observed in derived explants. Staining for VP119, the major envelope glycoproteins of HSV-2, was identified within tissues which were positive for VP143. Both proteins were expressed in the absence of staining for virus capsid proteins, detection of virus structures by electron microscopy, and isolation of infectious virus by co-cultivation, indicating that only a fragment of the virus genome was expressed. Neither VP143 nor VP119 was identified in biopsies exhibiting vulvitis, hyperkeratosis, or condyloma acuminatum. These data indicate a close relationship between HSV-2 and vulvar neoplasia.

Herpesvirus-specific RNA and protein in carcinoma of the uterine cervix

Cloned probes of herpes simplex virus type 2 DNA were used in cytological hybridization experiments to detect herpesvirus RNA transcripts in the neoplastic cells of tumors of the uterine cervix. Virus-specific RNA was shown to represent transcription of limited regions of the genome, of which one is known to code for a DNA-binding protein that can be found by immunoperoxidase staining in the neoplastic cells of these tumors and has also been detected in cells transformed in vitro by this virus.