Human herpesvirus 8 (Kaposi's sarcoma) - an Osmosis Preview

Summary

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), also known as Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus (KSHV), is a gamma herpesvirus linked to cancer, particularly Kaposi's sarcoma in AIDS patients. The virus is large, with a double-stranded DNA structure and an icosahedral capsid surrounded by a protein layer called the tegument. The viral envelope, which contains glycoproteins, is derived from the nuclear membrane of host cells. HHV-8 is one of seven oncoviruses that can cause cancer, and understanding its structure and behavior is crucial in understanding its role in cancer development.

Takeaways

• 😀 Human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8) is also known as Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV).
• 😀 HHV-8 belongs to the family of human gamma herpesviruses.
• 😀 HHV-8 is classified as one of the seven known oncoviruses, meaning it can cause cancer.
• 😀 Specifically, HHV-8 causes Kaposi's sarcoma, a type of cancer primarily seen in individuals with AIDS.
• 😀 HHV-8 is a large, double-stranded linear DNA virus.
• 😀 The virus has an icosahedral capsid, a spherical protein shell made of 20 equilateral triangular faces.
• 😀 The capsid of HHV-8 is covered by a protein layer called the tegument.
• 😀 The virus is enclosed in an envelope, which is a lipid membrane containing viral glycoproteins.
• 😀 The viral envelope is acquired from the nuclear membrane of host cells.
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Q & A

What is HHV-8, and what other names is it known by?

HHV-8, also known as Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus (KSHV), is a human gamma herpesvirus.

What is the main cancer caused by HHV-8?

HHV-8 primarily causes Kaposi's sarcoma, a type of cancer commonly seen in individuals with AIDS.

How is HHV-8 classified in terms of oncoviruses?

HHV-8 is one of the seven known oncoviruses, meaning it has the ability to cause cancer in humans.

What is the genetic material of HHV-8?

HHV-8 contains a large, double-stranded linear DNA genome.

What is the structure of the HHV-8 capsid?

The HHV-8 capsid is icosahedral, meaning it has a spherical protein shell made up of 20 equilateral triangular faces.

What is the tegument of HHV-8?

The tegument is a protein layer that covers the capsid of HHV-8.

What is the role of the envelope in HHV-8?

The envelope is a lipid membrane that surrounds the virus, containing viral glycoproteins and is acquired from the nuclear membrane of host cells.

Where does HHV-8 acquire its envelope from?

HHV-8 acquires its envelope from the nuclear membrane of host cells.

How does HHV-8 contribute to Kaposi's sarcoma in individuals with AIDS?

HHV-8 causes Kaposi's sarcoma primarily in individuals with AIDS, as the weakened immune system allows the virus to trigger tumor development.

How many known oncoviruses exist, and is HHV-8 one of them?

There are seven known oncoviruses, and HHV-8 is one of them, capable of causing cancer in humans.