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Updated: May 22, 2026

Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
Published on: January 7, 2019
Cancer and viruses: a double-edged sword
Aisha Q Butt1, Sinéad M Miggin
1Immune Signalling Group, Institute of Immunology, Department of Biology, National University of Ireland Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
Abstract:
Oncovirus, synonymously called a 'tumour virus', is a virus that can cause cancer. An oncolytic virus preferentially infects the host's cancer cells and lyses them, causing tumour destruction, and is thus referred to as a 'cancer killing virus'. With an estimated 11% of cancer-associated deaths caused by oncoviruses and the possibility that many cancers may be treated by using oncolytic viruses, the role of viruses in cancer may be viewed as a double-edged sword. A total of seven human cancer viruses have been identified as oncoviruses, having been associated with various cancers. Conversely, a large number of oncolytic viruses have shown great potential towards the treatment of certain types of cancer. Proteomics has now been applied towards understanding the complex interplay that exists between oncoviruses and the immune responses that serve to prevent oncoviral diseases. This review attempts to summarise the neoplastic potential of human tumour associated viruses and associated vaccine successes. The potential use of oncolytic viruses for the therapeutic intervention of cancer will also be discussed. Finally, this review will discuss the enormous potential of proteomics technology in the field of oncovirology.
Insights
Oncoviruses cause cancer, but oncolytic viruses can kill cancer cells. This review explores the dual role of tumor viruses and the potential of oncolytic virotherapy, aided by proteomics.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Immunology
- Proteomics
Background:
- Oncoviruses are tumor viruses linked to 11% of cancer deaths.
- Oncolytic viruses selectively infect and destroy cancer cells.
- The role of viruses in cancer is complex, acting as both a cause and potential treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the neoplastic potential of human tumor-associated viruses.
- To discuss the therapeutic applications of oncolytic viruses in cancer treatment.
- To highlight the role of proteomics in understanding oncovirology and immune responses.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of oncovirology and oncolytic virus research.
- Analysis of proteomics applications in studying virus-cancer interactions.
- Summary of vaccine successes and therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- Seven human oncoviruses are identified, associated with various cancers.
- Numerous oncolytic viruses demonstrate significant potential for cancer therapy.
- Proteomics offers insights into the interplay between oncoviruses, tumors, and the immune system.
Conclusions:
- Viruses present a double-edged sword in cancer, causing it and offering treatment possibilities.
- Oncolytic virotherapy holds promise for diverse cancer interventions.
- Proteomics is a powerful tool for advancing oncovirology research and developing novel therapies.
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