Description
Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) has been linked to several malignancies in AIDS patients, but the mechanisms involved are unknown. Past studies has postulated that KSHV targets precursor cells. Metanephric mesenchymal precursors are cells that are able to differentiate into different lineage of cells, including interstitial stroma, mesangial, vascular smooth muscle, cap mesenchyme, and loose mesenchyme cells.The Immortalized Rat Metanephric Mesenchymal Precursor Cells (KMM) is suitable for KSHV infection related studies, such as the growth deregulation mechanisms, as it is able to cause tumor formation. The cells have been efficiently transformed and are immortalized by KSHV. It expresses vascular endothelial, lymphatic endothelial, mesenchymal, and hemapoietic precursor markers. There is downregulation of Thy1.1 expression, a tumor suppressor. These cells are recommended for research on cancer formation linked to KSHV