Activation and Evasion of Innate Immunity by Gammaherpesviruses

J Mol Biol. 2022 Mar 30;434(6):167214. doi: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167214. Epub 2021 Aug 23.

Abstract

Gammaherpesviruses are ubiquitous pathogens that establish lifelong infections in the vast majority of adults worldwide. Importantly, these viruses are associated with numerous malignancies and are responsible for significant human cancer burden. These virus-associated cancers are due, in part, to the ability of gammaherpesviruses to successfully evade the innate immune response throughout the course of infection. In this review, we will summarize the current understanding of how gammaherpesviruses are detected by innate immune sensors, how these viruses evade recognition by host cells, and how this knowledge can inform novel therapeutic approaches for these viruses and their associated diseases.

Keywords: EBV; KSHV; MHV68; gammaherpesvirus; innate immunity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Gammaherpesvirinae* / immunology
  • Herpesviridae Infections* / immunology
  • Herpesviridae Infections* / virology
  • Humans
  • Immune Evasion*
  • Immunity, Innate*
  • Virus Latency