HHV-8 Cyclin

HHV-8, also known as Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), is prevalent in immuno-suppressed individuals, such as people who have had an organ transplant and are taking immuno-suppressing drugs, and those with HIV. This virus causes Kaposi's sarcoma, a cancer commonly occurring in AIDS patients, as well as primary effusion lymphoma and some types of multicentric Castleman's disease. It is one of seven currently known human cancer viruses, or oncoviruses. ORF72 modulates host cell cycle progression and apoptotic signaling pathways by acting as a cyclin. Forms an active kinase complex with cellular CDK6 kinase. Promotes host S-phase entry of quiescent cells and activates host cyclin A. Triggers host apoptosis by inactivating host BCL2.