Year: 2025
Type: review
Abstract: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) are oncogenic human gammaherpesviruses (GHVs) associated with a broad spectrum of malignancies and chronic diseases. However, direct studies of these viruses in humans are limited by ethical constraints, technical challenges, and their strict species specificity. To overcome these barriers, researchers have developed surrogate models, with murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV68) emerging as a tractable and widely utilized system. MHV68 shares key genetic and biological features with EBV and KSHV, providing critical insights into GHV pathogenesis, including viral latency, reactivation, immune evasion, and virus-host interactions. This review summarizes current cellular and animal models for GHV research, highlighting the advantages and limitations of MHV68 as a model for studying human GHVs. We explore mechanisms of viral gene function, immune modulation, and host responses, and discuss how these models have advanced our understanding of GHV-associated diseases. Improved model systems will be essential for guiding future experimental approaches and developing targeted therapies for GHV-driven malignancies and other related disorders.
Source: Journal of Medical Virology
DOI: 10.1002/jmv.70581
Language: English
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,730
Awards: G1216480350, The Role of PIAS1 in EBV Biology, G3786970084, G3791271486, G663538959, G665014422, Impact of microbiota on AIDS-Kaposi’s sarcoma development and therapy, Regulation of KSHV replication by N6-methyladenosine (m6A), METTL16 and S-adenosylmethionine cycle in KSHV infection, Cancer Center Support Grant, Cell model for KSHV infection and genetic manipulation, Citrulline-urea cycle in KSHV cellular transformation, Epstein-Barr virus molecular pathogenesis in the nasopharynx and the role of LMP1 in lytic infection
OpenAlex ID: W4414082180