Raf-Induced Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Augments Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Infection

Abstract

Recombinant green fluorescent protein encoding Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (rKSHV.152) infection of -estradiol stimulated human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) or HFF/ B-Raf[FF]:ER (expressing a weaker form of B-Raf) could be enhanced to levels comparable to that of HFF/ B-Raf[DD]:ER cells by pretreating cells with soluble vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Conversely, VEGF expression and infection efficiency typically observed in -estradiol stimulated HFF/ B-Raf[DD]:ER cells could be lowered significantly by treating with VEGF small interfering RNA. In addition, we observed enhancement of the KSHV infection in HFF cells transfected with human VEGF121. These results confirm the ability of Raf-induced VEGF to augment KSHV infection of cells. Originally published Journal of Virology Dec. 2004, Vol. 78 No. 23