KSHV targeted therapy: an update on inhibitors of viral lytic replication

Viruses. 2014 Nov 24;6(11):4731-59. doi: 10.3390/v6114731.

Abstract

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the causative agent of Kaposi's sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma and multicentric Castleman's disease. Since the discovery of KSHV 20 years ago, there is still no standard treatment and the management of virus-associated malignancies remains toxic and incompletely efficacious. As the majority of tumor cells are latently infected with KSHV, currently marketed antivirals that target the virus lytic cycle have shown inconsistent results in clinic. Nevertheless, lytic replication plays a major role in disease progression and virus dissemination. Case reports and retrospective studies have pointed out the benefit of antiviral therapy in the treatment and prevention of KSHV-associated diseases. As a consequence, potent and selective antivirals are needed. This review focuses on the anti-KSHV activity, mode of action and current status of antiviral drugs targeting KSHV lytic cycle. Among these drugs, different subclasses of viral DNA polymerase inhibitors and compounds that do not target the viral DNA polymerase are being discussed. We also cover molecules that target cellular kinases, as well as the potential of new drug targets and animal models for antiviral testing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical / methods
  • Herpesviridae Infections / drug therapy*
  • Herpesvirus 8, Human / drug effects*
  • Herpesvirus 8, Human / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Virus Replication / drug effects*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents