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Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection and Detection
Published on: February 7, 2019
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Human polyomaviruses and cancer: an overview
José Carlos Mann Prado1, Telma Alves Monezi1, Aline Teixeira Amorim1
1Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR.
Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil)
|October 18, 2018
Summary
Human polyomaviruses can cause tumors, with Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) being a confirmed human carcinogen. This review discusses four polyomaviruses linked to cancers in humans.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Polyomaviridae family viruses induce tumors via T antigens.
- Recent DNA sequencing identified 12 new human polyomaviruses.
- Many establish chronic infections, reactivating in immunosuppressed individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on human polyomaviruses and cancer.
- To discuss the oncogenic roles of MCPyV, TSPyV, JCPyV, and BKPyV.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on polyomaviruses and human cancers.
- Analysis of evidence linking specific polyomaviruses to tumorigenesis.
Main Results:
- Four polyomaviruses (MCPyV, TSPyV, JCPyV, BKPyV) are associated with human cancers.
- Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is the only one currently supported as a human carcinogen.
Conclusions:
- Polyomaviruses play a significant role in human oncogenesis.
- Further research is needed to clarify the carcinogenic potential of TSPyV, JCPyV, and BKPyV.
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