[Physiopathogenic aspects of HIV-associated primary brain lymphomas].

HIV-associated Primary brain lymphomas (PBLs) are usually diffuse, large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs). In contrast to those occurring in immunocompetent patients, nearly all HIV-associated PBLs are associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Since viral latency proteins are target antigens for anti-viral cytotoxic T lymphocytes, the double immunodeficiency (HIV infection, central nervous system microenvironment) favors the expression of viral latency proteins (LMP-1, EBNA2). These proteins play a major role in immortalization and transformation of infected B lymphocytes through cell cycle activation and apoptosis inhibition.