FIG 8.

Schematic representation of pK15-mediated signaling. The pK15 protein can recruit PLCγ1 and NF-κB as well as members of the Src family of tyrosine kinases, activating the PLCγ1, MAP kinase (MAPK), and NF-κB signaling pathways. The activation of these cellular signaling pathways in turn leads to the expression of angiogenic and inflammatory molecules, which are important for the pathogenesis of KSHV-mediated diseases and virus lytic replication. Additionally, the interaction of pK15 with the class II PI3K PI3K-C2α, which also contributes to KSHV lytic replication, might play a role in its intracellular localization (by mediating its internalization); it is possible that pK15 signals from intracellular membrane-bound organelles.