Oncogenic effects of exosomes in γ-herpesvirus-associated neoplasms.

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are herpesviruses associated with human malignancies. As exosomes can shuttle many herpesvirus-associated biomolecules from host cells to recipient cells, the exosomal pathway is utilized by herpesviruses to achieve extensive infections and even oncogenesis. In this review, we discuss the oncogenic biomolecules present in exosomes derived from KSHV- and EBV-infected cells. Moreover, oncogenesis via exosomal biomolecules mainly occurs through three processes, including regulation of downstream signals, promotion of immune dysfunction and transformation of cells. Also, the exosomes may provide diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets specific for KSHV- and EBV-associated malignancies.