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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
07:02
Identifying Dysregulated Genes Induced by Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus (KSHV)
Published on: September 14, 2010
Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus immune modulation: an overview
S A Rahim Rezaee1, Charles Cunningham2, Andrew J Davison2
1Cancer Research UK Institute for Cancer Studies, University of Birmingham, Vincent Drive, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
The Journal of General Virology
|June 9, 2006
Summary
Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) causes Kaposi's sarcoma and other diseases. This review examines KSHV's immunomodulatory proteins and their therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a human herpesvirus.
- KSHV is the causative agent of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), a cancer common in AIDS patients.
- KSHV is also implicated in multicentric Castleman's disease and primary effusion lymphoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the immunomodulatory roles of KSHV-encoded proteins.
- To map the genes encoding these proteins using a KSHV genome sequence.
- To evaluate the immune response against KSHV and explore therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of KSHV genome sequence from a KS biopsy.
- Review of scientific literature on KSHV-encoded proteins and their functions.
- Mapping of viral genes encoding immunomodulatory proteins.
Main Results:
- Approximately 25% of KSHV genes encode proteins with immunomodulatory functions.
- These proteins target cytokine production, apoptosis, cell signaling, and the immunological synapse.
- Gene positions for these proteins were mapped from the KSHV genome.
Conclusions:
- Understanding KSHV immunomodulators is crucial for evaluating immune responses against the virus.
- This knowledge aids in unraveling complex cellular and immunological pathways.
- Exploiting viral immunomodulators offers potential therapeutic avenues for KSHV-related diseases.
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