Viral Oncology: Molecular Biology and Pathogenesis

Abstract

Oncoviruses are implicated in approximately 12% of all human cancers. A large number of the world’s population harbors at least one of these oncoviruses, but only a small proportion of these individuals go on to develop cancer. The interplay between host and viral factors is a complex process that works together to create a microenvironment conducive to oncogenesis. In this review, the molecular biology and oncogenic pathways of established human oncoviruses will be discussed. Currently, there are seven recognized human oncoviruses, which include Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV), Human T-cell lymphotropic virus-1 (HTLV-1), Human Herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8), and Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV). Available and emerging therapies for these oncoviruses will be mentioned.

Prevention of liver cancer with new curative hepatitis C antivirals: Real‐world challenges

“…Although less than 15% of all human cancers are produced by viruses, the epidemiology and treatment paradigms of these neoplasms are unique . There are 6 oncogenic viruses that cause tumors in humans, including hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus (HCV; Table ).…”

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Although less than 15% of all human cancers are produced by viruses, the epidemiology and treatment paradigms of these neoplasms are unique. 1,2 There are 6 oncogenic viruses that cause tumors in humans, including hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus (HCV ; Table 1). Interestingly, although a large number of people in the world harbor at least 1 of these oncoviruses, only a small proportion of carriers go on to develop cancer.

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DNA methyltransferases in virus‐associated cancers

“…Many factors can be involved in causing oncogenesis, but among them, the role of tumor viruses is remarkable . It is believed that approximately 12% of human cancers are casually associated with viruses including human papillomavirus, Epstein‐Barr virus, Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, human T‐lymphotropic virus 1, and Merkel cell polyomavirus, the most recent member of human oncogenic virus . These viruses play some roles in causing human cancers.…”

“…of tumor viruses is remarkable. 2 3,4 These viruses play some roles in causing human cancers. Oncogenic viruses employ various biological pathways to drive normal cells into malignancies, and one of the significant pathways is related to epigenetic modifications.…”

Staphylococcus aureus and atopic dermatitis: a complex relationship

“…As microbiologists we have seen our sphere of influence steadily expand well beyond traditional infections in the last half century, with infectious pathogens established as the cause of certain malignancies, implicated in a variety of autoimmune conditions and contributing to weight and cardiovascular risk . Now the spotlight turns to atopy, and in this issue of the BJD, de Wit et al .…”