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Updated: Jul 6, 2026
08:05
Generation of a Mouse Prostate Organoid-Based Model for Studying Host-Pathogen Interactions
Published on: February 27, 2026
Inflammation, infection, and prostate cancer
Eric A Klein1, Robert Silverman
1Glickman Urologic and Kidney Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. kleine@ccf.org
Current Opinion in Urology
|April 3, 2008
Summary
Prostate cancer may be caused by infection and inflammation. A novel retrovirus, xenotropic murine leukemia-related virus, has been identified in men with genetic susceptibility and may be an etiologic agent.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Infections and inflammation are increasingly recognized as significant factors in cancer development.
- Prostate cancer pathogenesis may involve infectious agents, supported by genetic and epidemiological evidence.
- The R462Q variant in the RNASEL gene, crucial for antiviral defense, is linked to increased prostate cancer susceptibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence linking inflammation and infection to prostate cancer etiology.
- To discuss the discovery and characterization of a novel virus in susceptible individuals.
- To explore the potential role of xenotropic murine leukemia-related virus in prostate cancer development.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing histologic, molecular genetic, and epidemiologic data.
- Analysis of the R462Q allelic variant in RNASEL and its association with prostate cancer.
- Isolation and biologic characterization of a novel retrovirus from prostate tissue.
Main Results:
- Infections are established causes for approximately 20% of visceral cancers.
- A novel retrovirus, xenotropic murine leukemia-related virus, was discovered in prostate cancer patients.
- This virus is sensitive to interferon and RNaseL, and its DNA has been found integrated into host DNA.
Conclusions:
- Infection-induced inflammation is a key factor in prostate cancer development.
- Xenotropic murine leukemia-related virus is a potential candidate for causing prostate cancer.
- Further research is ongoing to elucidate the virus's oncogenic potential and pathogenesis.
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