Role of IKK epsilon in KSHV/HHV8 associated malignancies

University Of Southern California, Los Angeles CA

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Abstract

? DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8), also known as Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the most frequent cause of malignancy among AIDS patients. In addition to Kaposi's sarcoma, infection with HHV8 has been linked to the occurrence of primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) or body cavity lymphoma. Due to underlying immunosuppression, KSHV-associated cancers have extremely poor prognosis when treated with conventional chemotherapy and there is urgent need for more effective and less toxic therapies for these disorders. We and others have previously reported that NF-?B pathway is constitutively active in HHV8-infected cells primarily due to the activity of HHV8-encoded vFLIP (viral FLICE inhibitory protein) K13, which activates this pathway by interacting with and activating a ~700 kDa I?B kinase (IKK) complex. We have discovered that inhibitors of IKK? (IKK epsilon), an IKK related kinase, are selectively toxic to cells that are dependent on K13-induced NF-?B for their survival. Additionally, IKK? is up-regulated by K13 and physically interacts with it. Since IKK? knockout mice, in contrast to IKK? or IKK? knockout mice, are viable and fertile, our hypothesis is that IKK? may be a target of great clinical value for the treatment of KSHV associated PEL and KS. We plan to test this hypothesis through the following specific aims. In aim 1, we will delineate the role of IKK? in K13 and KSHV-induced NF-?B pathway. In aim 2, we will characterize the role of IKK? in the various biological activitis of K13 and KSHV. Finally, in aim 3, we will study the activity of IKK? inhibitors in KSHV-associated PEL and KS using in vitro and in vivo models. It is hoped that the above studies will not only clarify the role played by IKK? in K13- and KSHV- induced NF-?B but will also delineate its contribution to the pathogenesis of PEL of KS. Finally, these studies will lead to novel approaches for the treatment of PEL and KS.