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Transcriptional regulators of human oncoviruses: structural and functional implications for anticancer therapy

Ivona Nečasová1,2, Martin Stojaspal1,2, Edita Motyčáková1,2

  • 1Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Scientific Incubator, Královopolská 135, Brno 612 65, Czech Republic.

NAR Cancer
|March 7, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Viral transcriptional regulators (vTRs) are key to viral infections and oncogenesis. Targeting these unique viral proteins offers a promising strategy for developing novel antiviral and anticancer therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Viral transcriptional regulators (vTRs) are essential viral proteins that drive viral gene expression and replication.
  • vTRs interact with host proteins to evade immune detection, making them critical in viral pathogenesis and oncogenesis.
  • vTRs are distinct from host proteins, presenting them as attractive therapeutic targets.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the transcription strategies of vTRs from three human oncoviruses: hepatitis B virus (HBx), human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HBZ), and Epstein-Barr virus (Rta).
  • To critically examine the potential of vTRs as therapeutic targets for antiviral and anticancer strategies.
  • To discuss the implications of vTR regulation in oncogenesis and future therapeutic perspectives.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of available structural and functional data on vTRs from HBx, HBZ, and Rta.
  • Analysis of viral genome transcription strategies employed by these vTRs.
  • Examination of vTRs' structure, binding partners, and their roles in transcription regulation.

Main Results:

  • Detailed description of the distinct transcription strategies of HBx, HBZ, and Rta.
  • Identification of key host binding partners crucial for vTR-mediated transcription regulation.
  • Evaluation of the advantages and challenges associated with targeting these vTRs in therapeutic contexts.

Conclusions:

  • vTRs employ sophisticated strategies to manipulate host transcription machinery, facilitating viral replication and oncogenesis.
  • Targeting vTRs presents a viable approach for developing novel antiviral and anticancer therapies due to their unique viral nature.
  • Further research into vTR structure-function relationships can unlock new avenues for therapeutic intervention against viral-associated cancers.

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