Insights Into Kaposi Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus-Specific Humoral Responses

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) remains a global health concern. In sub-Saharan Africa, where there is a high burden of HIV-1 infection, there is also a high prevalence of infection by the etiologic agent of KS, the KS-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). Despite the successes of antiretroviral treatment (ART), the burden of KS and other KSHV-associated malignancies among people living with HIV under ART remained high, stressing the need for a greater understanding of the immune response against KSHV infection. Here, we review the current information on KSHV-specific humoral response in infected individuals in detail. We discuss the significance of anti-KSHV responses, mechanisms used by KSHV to subvert and modulate humoral immunity, and implications for pathogenesis and therapy. We highlight cutting-edge serological assays and bioinformatics tools that aid the development of effective vaccines against KSHV, underscoring the complexity of the humoral response and its critical role within the context of infection and vaccine design.