HTLV-I-related retroviral markers in Hungarian patients with mycosis fungoides.

Cell and serum samples from 7 Hungarian patients with mycosis fungoides were examined for the presence of HTLV-I-related DNA sequences and antibodies recognizing HTLV-I antigens. DNA sequences distantly related to the proviral DNA of HTLV-I were shown by Southern blot hybridization in 3 patients. Serum samples from these patients contained antibodies reactive with the internal core polypeptides of HTLV-I and HTLV-II, but not with the env gene encoded type-specific HTLV antigens. Restriction enzyme analysis with EcoRI, PstI, BamHI and SacI revealed structural similarity of the provirus(es) integrated in the DNA of mycosis fungoides cells to HTLV-I but not to HTLV-II. Data suggest that these proviruses and HTLV-I are similar to each other along gag and pol regions.