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Virus-Driven Carcinogenesis

Yuichiro Hatano1, Takayasu Ideta2,3, Akihiro Hirata4

  • 1Department of Tumor Pathology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu 501-1194, Japan.

Cancers
|June 2, 2021
PubMed

Insights

This review explores how tumor viruses cause cancer through mechanisms like insertional mutagenesis and viral oncogenes, offering a framework for controlling malignant cell growth. It details known oncogenic viruses and emerging candidates involved in virus-driven carcinogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Virology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Cancer develops from genetic and epigenetic changes, with carcinogens playing a key role.
  • While mutational signatures from DNA damage are studied, tumor viruses represent a distinct class of carcinogens.
  • Tumor viruses contribute to cancer through insertional mutagenesis, viral oncogenes, and immunosuppression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review virus-driven carcinogenesis and establish a framework for controlling malignant cell proliferation.
  • To provide an overview of oncogenic viruses and their association with various tumors.
  • To highlight known and emerging viral candidates implicated in cancer development.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of oncogenic viruses and their mechanisms.
  • Summarization of established tumor viruses (HPV, HBV, HCV, EBV, KSHV, MCV, HTLV-1) and associated cancers.
  • Introduction of emerging viral candidates (CMV, HHV-6, AAV-2).

Main Results:

  • Identified specific tumor viruses and their roles in different cancers.
  • Described alternative carcinogenic mechanisms employed by viruses beyond DNA damage.
  • Highlighted emerging viral candidates with potential oncogenic activity.

Conclusions:

  • Virus-driven carcinogenesis is a significant factor in cancer development.
  • Understanding viral mechanisms is crucial for developing strategies to control virus-associated cancers.
  • This review serves as a central resource for data on virus-associated carcinogenesis.
Keywords:
EBVHBVHCVHIV-1HPVHTLV-1KSHVMCVtumor virus

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