Targeting hypoxia-inducible factors in malignancies caused by Kaposis sarcoma associated herpesvirus

In this editorial, we highlight the potential use of inhibitors of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) for the use in Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) (also known as human herpesvirus-8) related malignancies. The past 20 years has accumulated detailed knowledge of the role of these factors in ensuring the maintenance of the KSHV in infected cells, in aiding the growth of the virus infected cells and aiding in the spread of virus from infected cells by inducing lytic reactivation. Today, a wide range of inhibitors for HIFs are currently being clinically evaluated for use in treating a variety of cancers. We discuss the current state of this research area as it relates to KSHV malignancies and describe pre-clinical and clinical evidence of drugs that target HIF to back up the idea that these inhibitors could be a novel way to treat KSHV related diseases.