Work

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 (VEGFR2/KDR) Promotes KSHV Lytic Replication and Drives Pro‐Inflammatory Cytokine Release and Cancer Signaling

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2/KDR) is elevated in Kaposi Sarcoma lesions and is a key driver of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Increased levels of KDR are associated with several cancers and has been linked to the oncogenic potential of Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV)-infected cells. However, the functional role of KDR in KSHV infection requires further exploration. Here, we have demonstrated the importance of KDR expression in KSHV infection and assessed the effects of KDR loss-of-function in KSHV lytic replication and the corresponding host response in de novo infected primary lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC). KDR was found to promote lytic replication, stimulate the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and upregulate cancer signaling pathways. As such, we propose a model in which elevated KDR in KS lesions supports a lytic program to ensure maintenance and spread of infected cells while also promoting the tumor microenvironment.

Source: Journal of Medical Virology

DOI: 10.1002/jmv.70989

Authors: Ameera Mungale, Mahgol Behnia, Sarah E. Dremel, Joseph M. Ziegelbauer

Institution: National Cancer Institute

Language: English

Topic: Viral-associated cancers and disorders

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health