Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 28, 2025

Generation of Multivirus-specific T Cells to Prevent/treat Viral Infections after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant
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KSHV (HHV8) vaccine: promises and potential pitfalls for a new anti-cancer vaccine

Corey Casper1, Lawrence Corey2, Jeffrey I Cohen3

  • 1Infectious Disease Research Institute, 1616 Eastlake Ave. East, Suite 400, Seattle, WA, 98102, USA.

NPJ Vaccines
|September 20, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Seven viruses cause 15% of cancers, with Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) being a key target. Developing a KSHV vaccine could prevent this cancer, especially in vulnerable populations.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Virology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Seven viruses are responsible for at least 15% of the global cancer burden.
  • Viral cancers are considered preventable or treatable through vaccination.
  • Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV, also known as HHV8) is the exclusive cause of Kaposi sarcoma.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review findings from an NIH-sponsored workshop on KSHV epidemiology and biology.
  • To highlight KSHV as an overlooked, potentially vaccine-preventable infection.
  • To explore opportunities for cancer prevention through KSHV vaccination.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent NIH-sponsored workshop findings.
  • Summary of epidemiological data on KSHV.
  • Analysis of KSHV's biological characteristics relevant to vaccine development.

Main Results:

  • KSHV is the sole etiological agent of Kaposi sarcoma.
  • Kaposi sarcoma disproportionately affects resource-poor and marginalized communities.
  • The unique epidemiology of KSHV presents opportunities for targeted cancer prevention.

Conclusions:

  • KSHV represents a significant, vaccine-preventable cancer threat.
  • Development of an effective, affordable, and well-tolerated KSHV vaccine is crucial.
  • Vaccination strategies could alter the course of KSHV-associated cancers globally.

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