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Generation of Multivirus-specific T Cells to Prevent/treat Viral Infections after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant
08:52

Generation of Multivirus-specific T Cells to Prevent/treat Viral Infections after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant

Published on: May 27, 2011

De novo malignancies after organ transplantation: focus on viral infections

P Piselli1, G Busnach, L Fratino

  • 1Department of Epidemiology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases L. Spallanzani, Rome, Italy.

Current Molecular Medicine
|January 3, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Organ transplant recipients face higher cancer risks due to immunosuppressive drugs and oncogenic virus infections. This review details how these factors increase risks for various cancers post-transplant.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Transplant Surgery

Background:

  • Organ transplantation is a vital treatment for end-stage organ disease, with survival rates improving due to anti-rejection drugs.
  • However, chronic immunosuppression significantly elevates the risk of opportunistic infections and virus-related cancers in transplant recipients.
  • Transplant patients have a doubled risk of de-novo cancers, with oncogenic viral infections increasing this risk up to 100-fold.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current evidence linking immunosuppression, oncogenic viral infections, and cancer development in kidney and liver transplant recipients.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which oncogenic viruses contribute to tumorigenesis under reduced immune surveillance.
  • To detail the specific risks of skin cancers, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders, Kaposi sarcoma, and ano-genital cancers.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on kidney and liver transplant outcomes.
  • Analysis of studies investigating the role of oncogenic viruses (e.g., KSHV, HPV, EBV) in post-transplant cancers.
  • Examination of the correlation between immunosuppressive drug exposure and cancer incidence.

Main Results:

  • Iatrogenic immunosuppression in transplant recipients facilitates persistent infections with oncogenic viruses.
  • Oncogenic viruses can immortalize cells by disrupting cell-cycle control, leading to cancer under lowered immune surveillance.
  • Cumulative immunosuppression exposure correlates with increased cancer risk, particularly for specific virus-associated malignancies.

Conclusions:

  • A strong link exists between immunosuppression, oncogenic viral infections, and increased cancer risk in organ transplant recipients.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for managing long-term health and preventing cancers in transplant patients.
  • Further research is needed to develop targeted strategies for mitigating these risks.

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