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Generation of Subcutaneous and Intrahepatic Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Xenografts in Immunodeficient Mice
10:35

Generation of Subcutaneous and Intrahepatic Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Xenografts in Immunodeficient Mice

Published on: September 25, 2013

Common human viruses as carcinogen vectors

C M MARTIN, S MAGNUSSON, P J GOSCIENSKI

    Science (New York, N.Y.)
    |December 15, 1961
    PubMed

    Insights

    Viruses can help small amounts of carcinogens cause tumors in mice. Preventing the viral infection stopped tumor growth, showing a link between viruses and cancer development.

    Area of Science:

    • Oncology
    • Virology
    • Carcinogenesis

    Background:

    • Carcinogens are agents known to cause cancer.
    • Viruses can play a role in disease development.
    • The interaction between viruses and carcinogens requires further investigation.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the synergistic effect of viruses and carcinogens on tumor formation.
    • To determine if viral activity is necessary for carcinogen-induced tumors.

    Main Methods:

    • Male Swiss mice were administered single doses of carcinogens and viruses.
    • Tumor development was monitored in mice exposed to carcinogen-virus pairs.
    • Mice were pre-immunized against specific viruses to assess the role of viral immunity.

    Main Results:

    • Malignant tumors developed in mice exposed to five specific carcinogen-virus combinations.
    • Tumor formation was prevented in mice immunized against the respective viruses.
    • In vitro studies demonstrated poliovirus 2 binding to carcinogens.

    Conclusions:

    • Viruses can act as co-factors in carcinogen-induced tumor formation.
    • Viral presence and activity are critical for the observed synergistic oncogenic effect.
    • Targeting viral components may offer a strategy to prevent carcinogen-induced cancers.
    Keywords:
    CARCINOGENSVIRUSES

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