Oncogenic viruses, cancer biology, and innate immunity

White, Maria C.; Wu, Ximei; Damania, Blossom

doi:10.1016/j.coi.2022.102253

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 65 publications

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“…Viral proteins can inhibit cell death pathways and promote cell survival and viral-mediated oncogenesis. KSHV is one of seven human oncogenic viruses [ 4 ]. KSHV is associated with multiple cancers including Kaposi Sarcoma (KS), a tumor of endothelial origin and two types of B lymphoproliferative disorders, primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) and multicentric Castleman’s disease (MCD).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus viral protein kinase augments cell survival

Wu,

Zhang,

Wong

et al. 2023

Cell Death Dis

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Oncogenic viruses have developed various strategies to antagonize cell death and maintain lifelong persistence in their host, a relationship that may contribute to cancer development. Understanding how viruses inhibit cell death is essential for understanding viral oncogenesis. Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is associated with three different cancers in the human population, including Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), the most common cancer in HIV patients. Previous studies have indicated that the KSHV-encoded viral protein kinase (vPK) impacts many processes dysregulated in tumorigenesis. Here, we report that vPK protects cells from apoptosis mediated by Caspase-3. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) expressing vPK (HUVEC-vPK) have a survival advantage over control HUVEC under conditions of extrinsic- and intrinsic-mediated apoptosis. Abolishing the catalytic activity of vPK attenuated this survival advantage. We found that KSHV vPK-expressing HUVECs exhibited increased activation of cellular AKT kinase, a cell survival kinase, compared to control cells without vPK. In addition, we report that vPK directly binds the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of AKT1 but not AKT2 or AKT3. Treatment of HUVEC-vPK cells with a pan-AKT inhibitor Miransertib (ARQ 092) reduced the overall phosphorylation of AKT, resulting in the cleavage of Caspase-3 and the induction of apoptosis. Furthermore, vPK expression activated VEGF/VEGFR2 in HUVECs and promoted angiogenesis through the AKT pathway. vPK expression also inhibited the cytotoxicity of cisplatin in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that vPK’s ability to augment cell survival and promote angiogenesis is critically dependent on AKT signaling, which is relevant for future therapies for treating KSHV-associated cancers.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus viral protein kinase augments cell survival

Wu,

Zhang,

Wong

et al. 2023

Cell Death Dis

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The interplay between persistent pathogen infections with tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy in cancer

Chen,

Yao,

Tian

et al. 2024

Cancer Medicine

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BackgroundChronic infections by pathogenic microorganisms play a significant role in cancer development, disrupting the body's immune system and microenvironment. This interference impairs the body's ability to eliminate these microorganisms promptly, allowing them to persist by evading immune defenses.AimsThis study aimed to explore how chronic pathogenic infections influence the immune microenvironment, impacting tumorigenesis, cancer progression, and treatment strategies. Additionally, it seeks to investigate the effects of these infections on specific immune checkpoints and identify potential targets for immunotherapy.MethodsWe conducted searches, readings, and detailed analyses of key terms in databases like PubMed and Web of Science to evaluate the impact of chronic infections by pathogenic microorganisms on the immune microenvironment.ResultsOur analysis demonstrates a significant association between persistent chronic infections by pathogenic microorganisms and tumorigenesis. Notable impacts on the immune microenvironment include changes in immune cell function and the regulation of immune checkpoints, offering insights into potential targets for cancer immunotherapy.DiscussionThis study highlights the complex relationship between chronic infections and cancer development, presenting new opportunities for cancer immunotherapy by understanding their effects on the immune microenvironment. The influence of these infections on immune checkpoints emphasizes the crucial role of the immune system in cancer treatment.ConclusionChronic infections by pathogenic microorganisms greatly affect the immune microenvironment, tumorigenesis, and cancer treatment. Unraveling the underlying mechanisms can unveil potential targets for immunotherapy, improving our comprehension of the immune response to cancer and potentially leading to more effective cancer treatments in the future.

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Oncogenic viruses, cancer biology, and innate immunity

Cited by 2 publications

References 65 publications

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus viral protein kinase augments cell survival

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus viral protein kinase augments cell survival

The interplay between persistent pathogen infections with tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy in cancer

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