HHV-8 contributes to cancer development through several mechanisms. The virus encodes a variety of proteins that can interfere with normal cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and immune evasion. For instance, the viral G-protein coupled receptor (vGPCR) can activate signaling pathways that promote cell proliferation and survival. Additionally, the latent nuclear antigen (LANA) helps the virus persist in the host cell by tethering the viral genome to the host chromosomes during cell division.
