Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Establishment and Quantification of De Novo Lytic Infection by Cell-free Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus
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Establishment and Quantification of De Novo Lytic Infection by Cell-free Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus

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KSHV targeted therapy: an update on inhibitors of viral lytic replication

Natacha Coen1, Sophie Duraffour2, Robert Snoeck3

  • 1Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium. natacha.coen@rega.kuleuven.be.

Viruses
|November 26, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Potent antivirals targeting the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) lytic cycle are needed for treating KSHV-associated diseases. This review examines current antiviral drugs and potential new therapeutic strategies against KSHV.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) causes significant KSHV-associated malignancies.
  • Current treatments for KSHV-associated diseases are toxic and incompletely effective.
  • Antivirals targeting KSHV's lytic cycle show inconsistent clinical results, necessitating new therapeutic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the anti-KSHV activity and mechanisms of antiviral drugs targeting the KSHV lytic cycle.
  • To discuss the current status of antiviral therapies for KSHV-associated diseases.
  • To explore novel drug targets and animal models for KSHV antiviral testing.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of antiviral drugs targeting KSHV lytic replication.
  • Analysis of different drug classes, including viral DNA polymerase inhibitors and non-polymerase inhibitors.
  • Discussion of cellular kinase inhibitors and emerging therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

  • Current antivirals targeting the KSHV lytic cycle have limitations.
  • Various antiviral drug subclasses demonstrate activity against KSHV.
  • New drug targets and animal models are crucial for advancing KSHV antiviral development.

Conclusions:

  • There is an unmet need for potent and selective antiviral therapies against KSHV.
  • Understanding KSHV lytic replication is key to developing effective treatments.
  • Further research into novel drug targets and preclinical models is essential for combating KSHV-associated diseases.

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