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Retroviruses and human cancer
1Laboratoire de Rétrovirologie Moléculaire, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
Seminars in Cancer Biology
|October 1, 1992
Summary
Retroviruses are linked to various cancers, including adult T cell leukaemia and lymphomas. Research explores retroviral roles in oncogenesis, from human viruses to gene therapy vectors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Retroviruses are known to cause cancer in multiple species.
- Specific retroviruses like Human T cell leukaemia virus type I (HTLV-I) are linked to adult T cell leukaemia.
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with cancers such as lymphoma and Kaposi sarcoma, often due to immune system compromise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the association between retroviruses and cancer.
- To discuss the oncogenic mechanisms of different retroviruses.
- To evaluate the potential cancer risks associated with retroviral vectors in gene therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of retroviral associations with various cancers.
- Analysis of specific retroviral agents and their oncogenic pathways.
- Discussion of epidemiological data related to retroviral infections and cancer incidence.
Main Results:
- HTLV-I is a direct cause of adult T cell leukaemia.
- HIV-associated cancers (lymphoma, Kaposi sarcoma) are largely immune-mediated.
- Kaposi sarcoma incidence varies, suggesting potential co-factors or other infectious agents.
- Human endogenous retroviral genomes are implicated in myeloproliferative diseases.
Conclusions:
- Retroviruses play a significant role in oncogenesis across different species.
- Understanding retroviral mechanisms is crucial for cancer prevention and treatment.
- The use of retroviral vectors in gene therapy warrants careful consideration regarding potential oncogenic side effects.