Kaposi Sarcoma (KS)
Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a rare malignancy primarily associated with immunosuppression, particularly in individuals with HIV/AIDS. Our company is at the forefront of drug and therapy development for KS, offering comprehensive services in biological diagnostics, therapy development, and animal model development for preclinical research.
Overview of Kaposi Sarcoma (KS)
Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a rare cancer that predominantly affects the skin, although it can also involve other organs such as the lungs, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. The annual incidence of KS is approximately 6 cases per million individuals. The hallmark of this condition is the appearance of red or purple lesions on the skin, which can be either flat or raised. KS can be classified into four subtypes: classic KS, iatrogenic KS, endemic (African) KS, and epidemic (AIDS-associated) KS. Each subtype exhibits unique epidemiological features and distinct characteristics.
Pathogenesis of Kaposi Sarcoma (KS)
The main cause of KS is the infection with Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), also known as human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). KSHV is a gammaherpesvirus that establishes lifelong latency in infected individuals. The virus infects various cell types, including endothelial cells, which play a crucial role in KS pathogenesis.
While KSHV infection is necessary for the development of KS, it is not sufficient on its own. Other factors, such as immune suppression, co-infections, and genetic predisposition, contribute to the development of KS. For instance, individuals with HIV/AIDS, who have compromised immune systems, are at a higher risk of developing KS. Additionally, certain genetic factors and co-infections, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), can increase susceptibility to KS.
Fig. 1 Histopathology of Kaposi sarcoma (KS). (Dupin, Nicolas, et al., 2021)Targets of Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) Therapy
KSHV Latency and Lytic Cycle
Targeting key viral factors involved in the latency and lytic cycle of KSHV can disrupt viral replication and reduce the spread of infection.
Angiogenesis
KS is characterized by aberrant angiogenesis, which is driven by factors such as VEGF. Inhibiting angiogenesis can help control tumor growth and progression.
Inflammatory Signaling
Inflammatory signaling pathways, including those involving small GTPase Rac1, play a role in KS therapy development.
Cell Signaling Pathways
Disrupting cell signaling pathways, such as AKT signaling, can hinder tumor cell survival and proliferation.
Therapies of Kaposi Sarcoma (KS)
- Antiviral Therapy
Antiviral drugs, such as ganciclovir and foscarnet, can inhibit KSHV replication and reduce viral load. Combining antiviral therapy with other therapy modalities can enhance therapeutic efficacy. - Targeted Therapy
Targeting specific molecular pathways involved in KS pathogenesis, such as angiogenesisand inflammatory signaling, holds promise for KS therapeutics. - Immunotherapy
Immunotherapeutic approaches, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell therapy, and therapeutic vaccines, aim to enhance the immune response against KSHV-infected cells and promote tumor regression.
Our Services
At our company, we are committed to advancing the field of KS diagnostics and therapy development. We offer molecular diagnostics, such as PCR and RT-PCR assays, to detect KSHV DNA or RNA in KS samples. Additionally, our immunohistochemical staining services aid in confirming KS diagnosis by detecting KSHV-associated proteins in tissue samples.
Therapy Development Platforms
Animal Models of Kaposi Sarcoma (KS)
By leveraging our expertise in animal model development and preclinical research, we strive to accelerate the development of safe and effective therapies for KS.
| Transgenic Models | |
| By manipulating the genetic makeup of mice, we can introduce specific genetic alterations that mimic the molecular aberrations observed in KS. For example, we can generate transgenic mice with constitutive activation of signaling pathways involved in KS development, such as the AKT pathway or inflammatory signaling pathways. | |
| Optional Species | Mouse, Nude Mouse, Rat, Others |
In addition, we also provide other customized animal models to meet diverse needs. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us for more details and quotation information of related services.
References
- Dupin, Nicolas, et al. "Current and future tools for diagnosis of Kaposi's sarcoma." Cancers 13.23 (2021): 5927.
- Valantin, Marc-Antoine, et al. "Therapeutic Perspectives in the Systemic Treatment of Kaposi's Sarcoma." Cancers 14.3 (2022): 484.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.