Viral MIP-2 is one of the three chemokine-like proteins expressed by the human herpesvirus 8 (Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, KSHV) and the other is ViMIP-1 and ViMIP-3. It shares 41 % and 48 % with human MIP-1α and ViMIP-1, respectively. ViMIP-2 has been shown to have antagonist activity towards a wide range of chemokine receptors and has functions of blocking infection by several different human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) strains. It may form part of the response to host defenses contributing to virus-induced neoplasia and may have relevance to KSHV and HIV-I interactions. Additionally, ViMIP-2 has been shown to activate and chemoattract human eosinphils.
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