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Human studies following models of tumorigenesis by DNA tumor viruses in animals

J L Melnick

    Bulletin of the Pan American Health Organization
    |January 1, 1978
    PubMed

    Insights

    Researchers are searching for virus-specific messenger RNA in human tumors to understand links between oncogenic viruses and cancer. This involves studying adenoviruses, papovaviruses, herpesvirus type 2, Epstein-Barr virus, and hepatitis B virus.

    Area of Science:

    • Oncology
    • Virology
    • Molecular Biology

    Background:

    • Virus-specific messenger RNA (mRNA) has been identified in virus-induced animal tumors.
    • Oncogenic viruses are suspected to play a role in human cancer development.
    • Identifying viral mRNA in human tumors could indicate a viral etiology for these cancers.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To search for virus-specific mRNA in human tumors.
    • To investigate the association between specific viruses and human malignancies.
    • To explore potential viral causes of various human cancers.

    Main Methods:

    • Hybridization of tumor mRNA with DNA from known oncogenic viruses.
    • Focus on adenoviruses, papovaviruses, herpesvirus type 2, Epstein-Barr virus, and hepatitis B virus.
    • Examination of associations between viral infections and specific cancers, including cervical and liver cancer.
    • Development of experimental vaccines and use of nonhuman primate models for herpesvirus type 2 research.

    Main Results:

    • Adenoviruses are known carcinogens in animals and are common in humans.
    • Papovaviruses isolated in human disease are oncogenic in hamsters.
    • Herpesvirus type 2 is oncogenic in hamsters and its association with cervical cancer is under investigation.
    • Epstein-Barr virus is implicated in Burkitt's lymphoma and postnasal carcinoma.
    • Hepatitis B virus antigen prevalence correlates with primary liver cell carcinoma incidence.

    Conclusions:

    • The presence of viral mRNA in human tumors is a key area of investigation for understanding virus-associated cancers.
    • Multiple viruses, including adenoviruses, papovaviruses, herpesviruses, Epstein-Barr virus, and hepatitis B virus, are being studied for their oncogenic potential in humans.
    • Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms and relationships between these viruses and human malignancies.

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