# Role of KSHV Viral Proteins in Signaling and Pathogenesis

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · 2020 · $72,294

## Abstract

Project Summary Abstract
 Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the etiological agent of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS),
primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) and multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD). KS is still the most common
AIDS-defining cancer in HIV-positive individuals, although KS can also occur in HIV-negative individuals. In
certain regions of sub-Saharan Africa, KS is the most prevalent cancer. Other immunosuppressed individuals
such as transplant patients also develop KS much more frequently than the healthy population.
 We have previously reported that activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway is critical for
survival of KSHV-infected cells as well as the survival of KS and PEL tumors. We have reported that KSHV
and the K1 and ORF36/vPK viral proteins are important for activating different nodes of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR
pathway. Our overarching hypothesis is that KSHV viral proteins, including ORF36/vPK, modulate cellular
signaling pathways that are also conducive to transformation. In this application, we propose to determine the
mechanisms by which ORF36/vPK can modulate cell proliferation, signaling, and angiogenesis pathways. We
will also explore novel host factors that are critical for survival and proliferation of KSHV infected cells. The
proposed studies will provide significant, and biologically relevant insights into the functions of viral signaling
proteins, and may yield a new target for anti-KSHV therapies.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10129482
- **Project number:** 3R01CA096500-18S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- **Principal Investigator:** BLOSSOM A DAMANIA
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $72,294
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2002-07-15 → 2023-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10129482

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10129482, Role of KSHV Viral Proteins in Signaling and Pathogenesis (3R01CA096500-18S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10129482. Licensed CC0.

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