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Identifying Dysregulated Genes Induced by Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus (KSHV)
07:02

Identifying Dysregulated Genes Induced by Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus (KSHV)

Published on: September 14, 2010

Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus-encoded interferon regulator factors

M K Offermann1

  • 1Winship Cancer Institute, 1365-B Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. mofferm@emory.edu

Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology
|November 9, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) viral interferon regulatory factors (vIRFs) disrupt host antiviral defenses. This review explores vIRF expression and function, impacting cellular IRFs, interferons, TGF-beta, and p53.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) encodes viral proteins that interfere with host antiviral mechanisms.
  • Four KSHV-encoded proteins (vIRFs) are homologous to host interferon regulatory factors (IRFs).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the expression patterns of KSHV vIRFs throughout the viral life cycle.
  • To elucidate the functional consequences of vIRF expression on host antiviral responses and cellular pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on KSHV vIRFs.
  • Analysis of reported data on vIRF interactions with host factors.

Main Results:

  • KSHV vIRFs (vIRF1-3) modulate cellular IRFs and interferon (IFN) signaling.
  • vIRFs also impact transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) and p53 pathways.
  • The specific functions of vIRF-4 remain largely uncharacterized.

Conclusions:

  • KSHV vIRFs are critical viral effectors that subvert host immunity and cellular regulation.
  • Understanding vIRF functions is essential for comprehending KSHV pathogenesis and developing therapeutic strategies.

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