Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV (also known as HHV-8))

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), also known as human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), is a double-stranded DNA virus in the gammaherpesvirus subfamily with an icosahedral nucleocapsid, tegument, and glycoprotein envelope, measuring 120-150 nm in diameter and encoding about 90 genes in a 165-170 kb genome. It primarily infects B cells, endothelial cells, monocytes, and keratinocytes, establishing latency after initial lytic replication and pirating host genes like viral IL-6, cyclin D homolog, G-protein coupled receptor, and BCL-2 to promote cell survival, proliferation, and immune evasion. KSHV is the etiologic agent of Kaposi's sarcoma—a vascular cancer affecting skin, mucous membranes, GI tract, lungs, and lymph nodes, especially in HIV/AIDS patients—along with primary effusion lymphoma and the plasmacytic form of multicentric Castleman's disease. Transmission occurs via saliva, sexual contact, or blood, with higher prevalence in Africa, Mediterranean regions, and immunocompromised populations. While no direct antiviral drugs target KSHV specifically, management relies on HIV control with antiretrovirals, chemotherapy for Kaposi's sarcoma, and rituximab for Castleman's disease; viral DNA PCR serves as a biomarker for disease monitoring.

Other names

Human herpesvirus 8HHV-8human gammaherpesvirus 8