The role of metabolic reprogramming in γ-herpesvirus-associated oncogenesis

The gamma-herpesviruses, EBV and KSHV, are closely associated with a number of human cancers. While the signal transduction pathways exploited by gamma-herpesviruses to promote cell growth, survival and transformation have been reported, recent studies have uncovered the impact of gamma-herpesvirus infection on host cell metabolism. Here, we review the mechanisms used by gamma-herpesviruses to induce metabolic reprogramming in host cells, focusing on their ability to modulate the activity of metabolic regulators and manipulate metabolic pathways. While gamma-herpesviruses alter metabolic phenotypes as a means to support viral infection and long-term persistence, this modulation can inadvertently contribute to cancer development. Strategies that target deregulated metabolic phenotypes induced by gamma-herpesviruses provide new opportunities for therapeutic intervention.