Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 16, 2025
High-throughput Quantitative Real-time RT-PCR Assay for Determining Expression Profiles of Types I and III Interferon Subtypes
Published on: March 24, 2015
Virus-Induced Tumorigenesis and IFN System
Marco Iuliano1, Giorgio Mangino1, Maria Vincenza Chiantore2
1Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome-Polo Pontino, 04100 Latina, Italy.
Abstract:
Oncogenic viruses favor the development of tumors in mammals by persistent infection and specific cellular pathways modifications by deregulating cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis. They counteract the cellular antiviral defense through viral proteins as well as specific cellular effectors involved in virus-induced tumorigenesis. Type I interferons (IFNs) are a family of cytokines critical not only for viral interference but also for their broad range of properties that go beyond the antiviral action. In fact, they can inhibit cell proliferation and modulate differentiation, apoptosis, and migration. However, their principal role is to regulate the development and activity of most effector cells of the innate and adaptive immune responses. Various are the mechanisms by which IFNs exert their effects on immune cells. They can act directly, through IFN receptor triggering, or indirectly by the induction of chemokines, the secretion of further cytokines, or by the stimulation of cells useful for the activation of particular immune cells. All the properties of IFNs are crucial in the host defense against viruses and bacteria, as well as in the immune surveillance against tumors. IFNs may be affected by and, in turn, affect signaling pathways to mediate anti-proliferative and antiviral responses in virus-induced tumorigenic context. New data on cellular and viral microRNAs (miRNAs) machinery, as well as cellular communication and microenvironment modification via classical secretion mechanisms and extracellular vesicles-mediated delivery are reported. Recent research is reviewed on the tumorigenesis induced by specific viruses with RNA or DNA genome, belonging to different families (i.e., HPV, HTLV-1, MCPyV, JCPyV, Herpesviruses, HBV, HCV) and the IFN system involvement.
Insights
Oncogenic viruses promote tumors by disrupting cell growth and immunity. Type I interferons (IFNs) are key cytokines that fight viral infections and cancer by regulating immune responses and cell proliferation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Oncology
Background:
- Oncogenic viruses cause tumors by altering cellular pathways, inhibiting apoptosis, and evading antiviral defenses.
- Type I interferons (IFNs) are crucial cytokines with broad roles beyond antiviral action, including regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, and immune responses.
- IFNs are vital for host defense against viruses and bacteria, and for immune surveillance against tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent research on virus-induced tumorigenesis and the involvement of the interferon (IFN) system.
- To explore how oncogenic viruses interact with cellular antiviral defenses and IFN signaling pathways.
- To highlight the role of microRNAs and extracellular vesicles in virus-induced tumorigenesis and the tumor microenvironment.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on oncogenic viruses and the IFN system.
- Analysis of viral mechanisms for counteracting cellular antiviral defenses.
- Examination of IFN-mediated signaling pathways in the context of virus-induced tumors.
Main Results:
- Oncogenic viruses (e.g., HPV, HBV, Herpesviruses) induce tumors by persistent infection and manipulation of cellular processes.
- Type I IFNs play a critical role in antiviral defense and anti-tumor immunity, but oncogenic viruses can interfere with IFN signaling.
- Emerging mechanisms involving microRNAs and extracellular vesicles contribute to virus-induced tumorigenesis and immune evasion.
Conclusions:
- The interplay between oncogenic viruses, cellular pathways, and the IFN system is complex and critical in tumor development.
- Understanding these interactions offers potential therapeutic targets for preventing and treating virus-associated cancers.
- Further research into viral evasion strategies and IFN modulation is essential for advancing cancer immunotherapy.
Related Concept Videos
01:51Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers
01:29Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
01:03Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) and Cancer
RSV is a retrovirus that contains two copies of a plus-strand RNA genome. Its genome consists of four main open...
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
01:25Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity
02:15Experimental RNAi