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Analysis of Targeted Viral Protein Nanoparticles Delivered to HER2+ Tumors
11:52

Analysis of Targeted Viral Protein Nanoparticles Delivered to HER2+ Tumors

Published on: June 18, 2013

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A viral protein kinase drug target for tumors?

Richard F Ambinder

    The Journal of Clinical Investigation
    |May 8, 2018
    PubMed

    Insights

    Human gammaherpesviruses like Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) are linked to tumors. Targeting their conserved protein kinase may offer new therapeutic strategies against these viral cancers.

    Area of Science:

    • Oncology
    • Virology
    • Molecular Biology

    Background:

    • Human gammaherpesviruses, including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), are implicated in various human tumors.
    • Current antiviral treatments demonstrate limited efficacy against these virus-associated malignancies.
    • A conserved serine/threonine protein kinase is essential for herpesvirus replication across different viral species.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the role of the KSHV protein kinase in the development of B cell lymphoproliferative disease and lymphoma.
    • To evaluate the potential of the viral protein kinase as a therapeutic target for KSHV-associated cancers.

    Main Methods:

    • Expression of the KSHV protein kinase in transgenic mice utilizing a ubiquitin promoter.
    • Observation and analysis of resulting B cell lymphoproliferative disease and lymphoma in the animal models.

    Main Results:

    • Transgenic expression of the KSHV protein kinase induced B cell lymphoproliferative disease and lymphoma in mice.
    • This suggests a critical role for the viral kinase in the pathogenesis of these conditions.

    Conclusions:

    • The KSHV protein kinase is a key factor in the development of KSHV-associated B cell lymphoproliferative disease and lymphoma.
    • The viral protein kinase represents a promising therapeutic target for novel pharmacologic interventions against KSHV-driven cancers.

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