Gammaherpesvirus 68 infection of endothelial cells requires both host autophagy genes and viral oncogenes for optimal survival and persistence.

Gammaherpesvirus-associated neoplasms include tumors of lymphocytes, epithelial cells, and endothelial cells (ECs). We previously showed that, unlike most cell types, ECs survive productive gammaherpesvirus 68 (γHV68) infection and achieve anchorage-independent growth, providing a cellular reservoir for viral persistence. Here, we demonstrated autophagy in infected ECs by analysis of LC3 localization and protein modification and that infected ECs progress through the autophagosome pathway by LC3 dual fluorescence and p62 analysis.

Endothelial cells support persistent gammaherpesvirus 68 infection.

A variety of human diseases are associated with gammaherpesviruses, including neoplasms of lymphocytes (e.g. Burkitt's lymphoma) and endothelial cells (e.