Oncogenic role of LMP1 expression in Epstein-Barr virus associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A literature review

Abstract

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant carcinoma that appears in the epithelial lining of the nasopharyngeal mucosa. Genetic predisposition, environmental risk factors, nutritional risk factors, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection are the main risk factors for NPC. Epstein-Barr virus, a human cancer-associated virus, is present in more than 90% of people worldwide. Latent Membrane Protein 1 (LMP1) has been identified as the main Epstein-Barr virus converting oncoprotein. LMP1 was shown to be present in NPC tumor tissues, suggesting a potential role for LMP1 in EBV-mediated carcinogenesis. LMP1 exerts several oncogenic properties and has the ability to transform epithelial cells through the activation of numerous signaling pathways and the control of the expression of different oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes. the process by which tumor traits such cell proliferation, apoptosis resistance, invasion and motility, and angiogenesis are produced and maintained.