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SV40 in human brain cancers and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Regis A Vilchez1, Janet S Butel
1Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Abstract:
Simian virus 40 (SV40) is a potent DNA tumor virus that is known to induce primary brain cancers and lymphomas in laboratory animals. SV40 oncogenesis is mediated by the viral large tumor antigen (T-ag), which inactivates the tumor-suppressor proteins p53 and pRb family members. During the last decade, independent studies using different molecular biology techniques have shown the presence of SV40 DNA, T-ag, or other viral markers in primary human brain cancers, and a systematic assessment of the data indicates that the virus is significantly associated with this group of human tumors. In addition, recent large independent studies showed that SV40 T-ag DNA is significantly associated with human non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Although the prevalence of SV40 infections in humans is not known, numerous observations suggest that SV40 is a pathogen in the human population today. This review examines the molecular biology, pathology, and clinical data implicating SV40 in the pathogenesis of primary human brain cancers and NHL and discusses future research directions needed to define a possible etiologic role for SV40 in these malignancies.
Insights
Simian virus 40 (SV40) DNA and its proteins are linked to human brain cancers and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Further research is needed to confirm SV40's role in causing these diseases.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Simian virus 40 (SV40) is a DNA tumor virus known to cause brain cancers and lymphomas in animals.
- SV40 oncogenesis involves the viral large tumor antigen (T-ag) inactivating tumor-suppressor proteins p53 and pRb.
- Recent studies suggest a significant association between SV40 markers and human brain cancers and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review molecular, pathological, and clinical data linking SV40 to human brain cancers and NHL.
- To discuss the potential etiologic role of SV40 in these malignancies.
- To identify future research directions for SV40's role in human cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of independent molecular biology studies.
- Systematic assessment of existing data on SV40 and human tumors.
- Analysis of viral DNA, T-ag, and other viral markers in cancer tissues.
Main Results:
- SV40 DNA, T-ag, or other viral markers have been detected in primary human brain cancers.
- A significant association exists between SV40 and human brain tumors.
- SV40 T-ag DNA is significantly associated with human non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).
Conclusions:
- SV40 is implicated in the pathogenesis of primary human brain cancers and NHL.
- Evidence suggests SV40 may be a human pathogen.
- Further research is required to establish a definitive etiologic role for SV40 in human malignancies.