Major histocompatibility complex class I molecules are down-regulated at the cell surface by the K5 protein encoded by Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus/human herpesvirus-8.

The expression of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecules at the cell surface was down-regulated in BC-3 cells infected with Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)/human herpesvirus-8 at early times after treatment with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol acetate (TPA), and in HeLa cells transfected with the K5 gene of KSHV. However, an immunoprecipitation study on these cells with anti-MHC-I monoclonal antibody revealed that there was no significant reduction in the synthesis of MHC-I molecules. A pulse-chase analysis followed by endoglycosidase H digestion also demonstrated the stability and transport of MHC-I molecules from the endoplasmic reticulum to at least the medial-GOLGI: K5 antigen was clearly detected by immunohistological examination of samples from Kaposi's sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma and Castleman's disease. These results suggest that the down-regulation of MHC-I molecules by K5 gene expression during reactivation may be important for evading immunological surveillance in the host.