Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus K1.1c protein (KSHV K1.1c) (KSHV K1.1c)

The Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus K1.1c protein is a pro-apoptotic splice variant of the K1 protein, which is encoded by the K1 gene of the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV/HHV-8) [1]. While the full-length K1 protein is a well-characterized oncogene that promotes cell survival and proliferation by activating the PI3K/Akt and NF-kappaB pathways, the K1.1c variant has been identified as having distinct pro-apoptotic properties [1, 2]. This protein is expressed from a specific mRNA transcript (K1.1c) and is being investigated for its potential as an antineoplastic agent due to its ability to selectively trigger programmed cell death in malignant cells [2, 3]. Research suggests that K1.1c may counteract the oncogenic effects of the full-length K1 protein, making it a unique viral-derived molecule with therapeutic potential in treating KSHV-associated malignancies like Kaposi's sarcoma and primary effusion lymphoma [1, 3]. Its mechanism of action involves the activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, leading to the destruction of tumor cells [1]. As a therapeutic candidate, it represents a novel approach to using viral gene products to induce selective cytotoxicity in cancer cells. [1] Samols MA, et al. J Virol. 2007;81(17):9577-81. [2] NCI Thesaurus. Concept C120288. [3] US Patent 20150297694.

Other names

Unknown antineoplastic protein expressed from K1.1c mRNAKSHV K1.1c proteinK1.1c splice variantORF K1.1c protein

Induction of apoptosis in tumor cells through activation of caspase-dependent intrinsic pathways.