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An overview: Human polyomavirus JC virus and its associated disorders
1Center for Neurovirology and Cancer Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, USA.
Journal of Neurovirology
|April 24, 2003
Summary
JC virus (JCV), a common polyomavirus, causes progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and is linked to brain tumors. This review covers JCV
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Neuroscience
- Oncology
Background:
- JC virus (JCV) is a widespread polyomavirus infecting over 80% of humans early in life.
- JCV replication in oligodendrocytes and astrocytes leads to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a fatal demyelinating disease, particularly in immunocompromised individuals like those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
- Emerging evidence links JCV to various brain tumors, including medulloblastoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the structure and function of the JC virus genome.
- To review the diseases associated with JC virus infection, focusing on PML and brain tumors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of JCV genome structure and function.
- Analysis of JCV's role in disease pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- The JCV genome encodes early proteins (T antigens, T') and late structural proteins (VP1, VP2, VP3).
- A nonstructural protein, agnoprotein, is produced during the late stage of the lytic cycle, with its function still under investigation.
- JCV is implicated in demyelinating diseases (PML) and brain tumors.
Conclusions:
- Understanding JCV genome and protein functions is crucial for comprehending its pathogenesis.
- Further research into JCV's role in neurological disorders and oncogenesis is warranted.