Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 12, 2026

Identifying Dysregulated Genes Induced by Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus KSHV
Published on: September 14, 2010
The Origin of Kaposi's Sarcoma and Other KSHV-Associated Sarcomas
Abstract:
Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a multicentric, polyclonal malignancy linked to Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) infection. While significant advances have been made in understanding KSHV virology and the clinical characteristics of KS, the precise mechanisms of pathogenesis and cellular origins remain elusive. This review integrates clinical observations with the latest cutting-edge research to explore the nature and potential cellular precursors of KS. Multiple cell types have been proposed as potential KS oncogenic progenitors, including endothelial cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). KS progenitor cells are thought to be recruited to sites of inflammatory angio-hyperplasia, where they may undergo KSHV-mediated transformation. Intriguingly, KSHV has been shown to modulate both endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and mesenchymal-to-endothelial transition (MEndT). By elucidating the mechanisms underlying KSHV-mediated cellular plasticity and the synergistic effects of inflammatory angio-hyperplasia and viral lytic reactivation in driving malignant transformation, we aim to deepen our understanding of KSHV-driven oncogenesis. This review highlights promising avenues for future research, including the potential role of KSHV in other mesenchymal-derived sarcomas, such as osteosarcoma. Ultimately, unraveling the complex interactions between KSHV, host cells, and the tumor microenvironment may pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies for patients with KS and related malignancies.
Related Concept Videos
Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) and Cancer
RSV is a retrovirus that contains two copies of a plus-strand RNA genome. Its genome consists of four main open...
Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers
Retroviruses
Cancers Originate from Somatic Mutations in a Single Cell
Non-LTR Retrotransposons

