Dendritic cells derived from bone marrow and CD34+ selected blood progenitor cells of myeloma patients, cultured in serum-free media, do not contain the Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus genome.

The aim of our study was to test if dendritic cells contain the KSHV genome. CD34+ peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPC) and bone marrow mononuclear cells were cultured in X-VIVO 15 medium supplemented with GM-CSF and TNF-alpha in gas-permeable containers. Dendritic cells were identified morphologically and immunophenotypically. The KSHV genome was not identified in any of the cases using a nested primer PCR approach. Serological analysis corroborated the molecular findings: no antibodies for KSHV were found in any of the multiple myeloma patients. These data are of importance when considering use of DC for therapeutic approaches in multiple myeloma.