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Viral Manipulation of the Host Epigenome as a Driver of Virus-Induced Oncogenesis

Shimaa Hassan AbdelAziz Soliman1, Arturo Orlacchio2,3, Fabio Verginelli4

  • 1Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.

Microorganisms
|June 2, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Viral infections contribute significantly to global cancer development by manipulating host cell epigenetics. This review explores how oncogenic viruses use epigenetic pathways to cause tumors and suggests histone modifier drugs as a potential treatment strategy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Virology
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Viral infections are responsible for 15-20% of human cancers globally.
  • Understanding virus-induced tumorigenesis mechanisms is crucial for cancer prevention and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the epigenetic pathways utilized by oncogenic viruses.
  • To explore how viral genome integration and host epigenetic machinery control lead to tumor progression.
  • To highlight the therapeutic potential of histone modifiers in combating virus-associated cancers.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on viral oncogenesis and epigenetics.
  • Analysis of epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation and histone modification.
  • Examination of viral integration into host cell chromosomes.

Main Results:

  • Oncogenic viruses exploit host epigenetic machinery to promote cell proliferation and tumor development.
  • Viral genome integration can disrupt normal cellular functions and initiate cancer.
  • Epigenetic dysregulation by viruses is a key factor in tumor progression.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic reprogramming by oncogenic viruses is a critical mechanism in tumorigenesis.
  • Targeting epigenetic pathways, particularly with histone modifiers, offers a promising therapeutic avenue.
  • Further research into virus-host epigenetic interactions can lead to novel cancer therapies.
Keywords:
EBV, HCMVHBVHCVHPVHTLV-1KSHVMCPyVepigeneticoncogenic viruses

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