The replication and transcription activator (RTA) of Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus/human herpesvirus-8

Abstract

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is γ-2 herpesvirus with latency and lytic replication stages in its life-cycle. The viral replication and transcription activator (RTA) is the key protein for triggering KSHV lytic gene expression and replication from latency. In this review, we will discuss the gene expression program in KSHV lytic replication and latency, the regulation of the RTA expression, the RTA protein and the mechanisms that RTA utilizes to transactivate its target genes. We will focus on the RTA-mediated transactivation mechanisms, including DNA-binding, interacting with cellular co-factors and promoting repressor degradation.