Metabolic reprogramming and metabolic sensors in KSHV-induced cancers and KSHV infection

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is an oncogenic gammaherpesvirus associated with several human cancers. KSHV infection and KSHV-induced anabolic cell proliferation and cellular transformation depend on reprogramming of cellular metabolic pathways, which provide the building blocks and energy for the growth of both the virus and the infected cells. Furthermore, KSHV dysregulates numerous metabolic sensors including mTOR, AMPK, CASTOR1 and sirtuins to maintain cellular energetic homeostasis during infection and in KSHV-induced cancers. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the understanding of KSHV hijacking of metabolic pathways and sensors, providing insights into the molecular basis of KSHV infection and KSHV-induced oncogenesis. In addition, we highlight the critical metabolic targets and sensors for developing potential new therapies against KSHV infection and KSHV-induced cancers.