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The relationship between simian virus 40 and mesothelioma
Zeyana Rivera1, Oriana Strianese, Pietro Bertino
1Cancer Research Center of Hawaii and Department of Pathology, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA .
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine
|June 4, 2008
Summary
Simian virus 40 (SV40) is linked to malignant mesothelioma development, alone or with asbestos. While evidence suggests a causal role, SV40's exact contribution to overall incidence remains unclear.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Simian virus 40 (SV40) has been detected in human malignant mesothelioma tissues.
- The pathogenic role of SV40 in mesothelioma has been debated due to variable detection rates across studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence for and against a pathogenic role of SV40 in malignant mesothelioma.
- To discuss the implications of SV40 presence in human cancers.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature and experimental data.
- Analysis of studies involving SV40 injection in hamsters.
- Examination of molecular and epidemiological data linking SV40 and mesothelioma.
Main Results:
- SV40 injection caused malignant mesothelioma in 60% of hamsters.
- SV40 DNA and proteins are found in human malignant mesotheliomas.
- Human mesothelial cells are particularly susceptible to SV40-induced transformation.
- SV40 and asbestos show cocarcinogenic effects in mesothelioma development.
- Activation of oncogene pathways has been associated with SV40 presence.
Conclusions:
- Sufficient evidence links SV40, alone or with asbestos, to malignant mesothelioma causation.
- The precise contribution of SV40 to the overall incidence of malignant mesothelioma requires further investigation.
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