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Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8/KSHV) and hematologic malignancies
Mauro S Malnati1, Lorenzo Dagna, Maurilio Ponzoni
1Unit of Human Virology (DIBIT), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milano, Italy. malnati.mauro@hsr.it
Reviews in Clinical and Experimental Hematology
|May 8, 2004
Summary
Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), or Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, is linked to various cancers. This virus uniquely possesses numerous oncogenes contributing to its oncogenic potential.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), also known as Kaposi's sarcoma (KS)-associated herpesvirus, was discovered in 1994.
- HHV-8 is characterized by its low prevalence and a rich collection of viral oncogenes and tumor-promoting factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the unique characteristics of HHV-8.
- To outline the spectrum of HHV-8-associated malignancies.
- To discuss the role of HHV-8 in lymphoproliferative disorders.
Main Methods:
- Molecular identification techniques were initially used for HHV-8 discovery.
- Analysis of HHV-8's genetic makeup, including oncogene homologs.
- Epidemiological association studies with various cancers and infections.
Main Results:
- HHV-8 possesses at least eleven viral oncogenes, with five demonstrating transforming ability in vitro and in vivo.
- HHV-8 is the causative agent of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS).
- HHV-8 is associated with hematologic malignancies like primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) and multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD).
Conclusions:
- HHV-8 plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of KS and certain hematologic cancers.
- The incidence of HHV-8-associated lymphoproliferative disorders increases with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
- While found in bone marrow, HHV-8's role in multiple myeloma is considered unlikely.