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Virology studies and cell lines for prostate cancer
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Eastern Virginia Medical School, 700 West Olney Road, Norfolk, VA 23501, USA.
The Prostate
|January 1, 1980
Summary
Researchers investigated RNA viruses in prostate cancer, finding their role likely secondary. While viral particles were detected, compelling evidence for specific viruses like Herpes II is lacking, suggesting they don't significantly cause prostate cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Prostate cancer research has explored the potential role of RNA viruses as etiologic agents.
- Previous studies have investigated viral genomes, products, and activation of latent viruses in prostate tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the role of RNA viruses, including C-type particles and potential etiological agents like Herpes II and cytomegalovirus, in the development of prostate cancer.
- To establish and characterize reliable cell culture methods for human prostatic tissue.
Main Methods:
- Utilized immunological and biochemical probes to detect viral genomes and products.
- Employed cell culture, co-culture methods with activating agents, and electron microscopy.
- Developed primary culture methods for human prostatic tissue using explants and dispersed cells.
Main Results:
- Detected C-type particles and p30 antigens, but their role in prostate cancer appears secondary and activation is uncommon.
- Found no compelling evidence linking Herpes II or cytomegalovirus to prostate cancer, despite their prevalence in the urogenital tract.
- Established three cell lines from metastatic prostate cancer foci and a neonatal cell strain retaining normal prostate properties.
Conclusions:
- RNA viruses are unlikely to be significant causative agents in a majority of prostate carcinomas.
- Further research is ongoing to investigate the integration of viral genome fragments into host DNA.
- Reliable primary culture methods and cell lines for human prostatic tissue have been successfully developed.