Which oncogenic virus is associated with Kaposi sarcoma?

Kaposi sarcoma is closely associated with Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), also known as Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). This virus plays a critical role in the development of this particular malignancy, which is characterized by vascular proliferation and can manifest in the skin, lymph nodes, and other organ systems, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS.

HHV-8 infects various types of cells, including endothelial cells, which line blood vessels, and it drives the development of Kaposi sarcoma through the expression of various viral proteins that promote angiogenesis and inhibit apoptosis. The oncogenic properties of HHV-8 facilitate the transformation of normally quiescent cells into a proliferative state, contributing to tumor formation.

While other viruses, such as Epstein-Barr virus, have associations with lymphoproliferative disorders and other malignancies, none are specifically linked to Kaposi sarcoma in the way that HHV-8 is. This clear connection between HHV-8 and Kaposi sarcoma underscores the importance of recognizing the specific viral etiology in the context of this disease.