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Updated: Jul 16, 2026

An In Vitro Model for Studying Cellular Transformation by Kaposi Sarcoma Herpesvirus
09:53

An In Vitro Model for Studying Cellular Transformation by Kaposi Sarcoma Herpesvirus

Published on: August 25, 2017

Investigational agents for treatment of AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma

Panagiotis A Konstantinopoulos1, Ryan J Sullivan, Michalis V Karamouzis

  • 1Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.

Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs
|March 21, 2007
PubMed

AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a neoplasm that results from the co-infection of HIV and KS herpesvirus/human herpesvirus-8 (KSHV/HHV8). Targeting HIV with highly active antiretroviral therapy has attenuated the natural history of this disease. Recent discoveries have elucidated the role of multiple signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of AIDS-related KS. In particular, KSHV/HHV8-specific gene products, including a G-protein-coupled receptor (vGPCR) and a homolog of human IL-6 (vIL-6), have been implicated in the development of tumorigenesis and angiogenesis. In addition, KSHV/HHV8 can modulate cellular growth and angiogenic pathways to augment malignant transformation and potentiate growth. This article discusses the main signaling pathways that are implicated in the pathogenesis of AIDS-related KS, reviews recently completed clinical trials and anticipates the future direction of molecularly targeted agents in this disease.

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