The signature of a T-cell response to KSHV persists across space and time in individuals with epidemic and endemic KS from Uganda.

Inadequate T-cell control of Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) infection predisposes to development of Kaposi sarcoma (KS), but little is known about the T-cell response to KSHV. Postulating that KS tumors contain abundant KSHV-specific T-cells, we performed transcriptional profiling and T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire analysis of tumor biopsies from 144 Ugandan adults with KS. We show that CD8 T-cells and M2-polarized macrophages dominate the tumor micro-environment (TME).

A prospective study of clinical outcomes of HIV-associated and HIV-negative Kaposi sarcoma in Uganda.

Objective: Improved understanding of the effect of HIV infection on Kaposi sarcoma (KS) presentation and outcomes will guide development of more effective KS staging and therapeutic approaches. We enrolled a prospective cohort of epidemic (HIV-positive; HIV + KS) and endemic (HIV-negative; HIV - KS) KS patients in Uganda to identify factors associated with survival and response.

Methods: Adults with newly diagnosed KS presenting for care at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) in Kampala, Uganda, between October 2012 and December 2019 were evaluated.

Multiple High-Risk HPV Types Contribute to Cervical Dysplasia in Ugandan Women Living With HIV on Antiretroviral Therapy.

Background: Cervical cancer mortality remains high in sub-Saharan Africa, especially among women living with HIV (WLWH). Characterization of prevalent high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) types and immune function in WLWH with cervical abnormalities despite antiretroviral therapy (ART) can inform prevention strategies.

Setting: Kampala, Uganda.