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Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Orthotopic Implantation and Peripheral Immune Cell Monitoring in the II-45 Syngeneic Rat Mesothelioma Model
09:31

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New molecular and epidemiological issues in mesothelioma: role of SV40

M Carbone1, S Fisher, A Powers

  • 1Cancer Immunology Program, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Loyola Medical School, Maywood, Illinois 60153, USA.

Journal of Cellular Physiology
|July 8, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Simian virus 40 (SV40) may contribute to malignant mesothelioma development, even without asbestos exposure. This DNA tumor virus transforms human cells and is found in most human mesotheliomas, inhibiting key tumor suppressors.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Malignant mesotheliomas are strongly linked to occupational asbestos exposure.
  • Simian virus 40 (SV40) is a DNA tumor virus known to induce mesotheliomas in hamsters.
  • SV40 transforms human cells in vitro, causing significant DNA damage.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential role of SV40 in human mesothelioma development, particularly in cases without asbestos exposure.
  • To explore SV40's contribution to asbestos-mediated carcinogenicity.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of human mesothelioma tissues for the presence and expression of SV40.
  • Examination of SV40's mechanism of action in transformed human cells, including its interaction with cellular tumor suppressors.

Main Results:

  • At least 60% of human mesotheliomas in the United States contain and express SV40.
  • SV40 tumor antigen in these cells binds to and inhibits the cellular tumor suppressors p53 and Rb.
  • SV40 transformation of human cells results in extensive DNA damage.

Conclusions:

  • SV40 may play a role in human mesotheliomas, including those occurring in individuals without asbestos exposure.
  • SV40 could potentially enhance the carcinogenic effects of asbestos.
  • Current epidemiological data are insufficient to fully ascertain SV40's historical contribution to mesothelioma incidence.

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