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Updated: May 30, 2026
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Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
Published on: January 7, 2019
The early history of tumor virology: Rous, RIF, and RAV.
1Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Life Sciences Addition, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. hrubin@berkeley.edu
Summary
Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) was discovered 100 years ago, revolutionizing cancer research. This virus
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Peyton Rous isolated the Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) from chicken tumors 100 years ago.
- Early studies on RSV were limited by bioassays until improved methods emerged.
- Avian leukosis virus (ALV) and Rous-associated virus (RAV) were identified and their roles elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical discovery and biological characterization of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV).
- To describe the evolution of RSV research from biological assays to molecular mechanisms.
- To discuss the connection between RSV, oncogenes, and human cancer.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and injection of viruses into chickens to study tumor formation.
- Development of assays using chorioallantoic membranes and fibroblast cultures.
- Characterization of viral components and their functions, including reverse transcriptase.
Main Results:
- RSV was isolated and shown to induce tumors in chickens.
- Improved assays enabled detailed studies on RSV infection dynamics.
- Rous-associated virus (RAV) was found to provide essential functions for RSV replication and determine its properties.
Conclusions:
- RSV's discovery marked a significant milestone in cancer research.
- The identification of reverse transcriptase in RSV bridged biological and molecular eras of research.
- Understanding RSV mechanisms provides insights into oncogenes and human cancer.
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