KSHV microRNAs: Tricks of the Devil

Trends Microbiol. 2017 Aug;25(8):648-661. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2017.02.002. Epub 2017 Mar 2.

Abstract

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the etiologic agent of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), a vascular tumor frequently found in immunodeficient individuals. KSHV encodes 12 pre-microRNAs (pre-miRNAs), which are processed into 25 mature microRNAs (miRNAs). KSHV miRNAs maintain KSHV latency, enhance angiogenesis and dissemination of the infected cells, and interfere with the host immune system by regulating viral and cellular gene expression, ultimately contributing to KS development. In this review, we briefly introduce the biogenesis of miRNAs and then describe the recent advances in defining the roles and mechanisms of action of KSHV miRNAs in KS development.

Keywords: Angiogenesis; KSHV microRNA; Tumor dissemination; Viral latency.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line
  • Herpesvirus 8, Human / genetics*
  • Herpesvirus 8, Human / immunology
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions*
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • MicroRNAs / physiology
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic
  • RNA, Viral / genetics*
  • RNA, Viral / physiology
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / physiopathology
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / virology*
  • Virus Activation
  • Virus Latency

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Viral