Senescence of endothelial cells increases susceptibility to Kaposi’s sarcoma–associated herpesvirus infection via CD109-mediated viral entry

The aging process is characterized by cellular functional decline and increased susceptibility to infections. Understanding the association between virus infection and aging is crucial for developing effective strategies against viral infections in older individuals. However, the relationship between Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) infection, a cause of increased Kaposi's sarcoma prevalence among the elderly without HIV infection, and cellular senescence remains enigmatic. This study uncovered a link between cellular senescence and enhanced KSHV infectivity in human endothelial cells. Through a comprehensive proteomic analysis, we identified caveolin-1 and CD109 as host factors significantly upregulated in senescent cells that promote KSHV infection. Remarkably, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated KO of these factors reduced KSHV binding and entry, leading to decreased viral infectivity. Furthermore, surface plasmon resonance analysis and confocal microscopy revealed a direct interaction between KSHV virions and CD109 on the cell surface during entry, with recombinant CD109 protein exhibiting inhibitory activity of KSHV infection by blocking virion binding. These findings uncover a previously unrecognized role of cellular senescence in enhancing KSHV infection through upregulation of specific host factors and provide insights into the complex interplay between aging and viral pathogenesis.