Impact of oncogenic viruses on autoimmune diseases and tumorigenesis

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system loses its ability to differentiate self from non-self, resulting in a breakdown of immune tolerance. Their development is shaped by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers, among which viral infections play a key role. Oncogenic viruses are of particular interest due to their dual involvement in both cancer development and autoimmune responses. The overlapping molecular mechanisms between autoimmunity and cancer suggest a complex interplay that requires further exploration. Interestingly, autoimmune diseases and early-stage cancers often share inflammatory features, whereas advanced cancers tend to exhibit an opposing immune environment. This contrast may help explain the higher incidence of cancer and the lower cancer-specific mortality observed in patients with pre-existing autoimmune disorders. This review explores the current understanding of oncogenic viruses and their role in linking autoimmune diseases and cancer, emphasizing the importance of shared molecular pathways between these conditions.