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The association of viruses with urveal melanoma
Abstract:
Electron microscopic examination of 57 ocular melanomas (54 human, two feline and one canine) revealed the presence of viral particles in six specimens. Herpesviruses particles were observed in one human specimen and were passed in human fibroblasts (WI-38), where they gave rise to intranuclear inclusions. A-type oncornavirus particles (oncogenic RNA virus) were observed in a second case, both in cells of tumor directly removed from an enucleated eye as well as in cells grown in tissue culture. In three human specimens and one feline specimen, togavirus particles were observed. Rubella is a member of this group, and the possibility that the presence of togavirus in these tumors is the result of latent ocular infection by rubella virus is raised. Herpes virus and RNA tumor viruses are widely considered as having a possible etiologic role for certain human cancers. The observation of togavirus is unexpected, as this virus has not been previously implicated in human or animal tumors. Injection of an RNA tumor virus (Gardner strain feline sarcoma virus) into the anterior chamber of newborn kittens resulted in the development of iris and ciliary body melanomas, many of which showed invasion and, in one instance, metastasis. This is the first animal model of a viral-induced uveal melanoma, and the histology and ultrastructure are described. These results emphasize the need for the continued investigation of the role of these viruses in uveal melanoma.
Insights
Viral particles, including herpesviruses, oncornaviruses, and togaviruses, were found in ocular melanomas. An animal model demonstrated viral-induced uveal melanoma, highlighting the need for further viral investigation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Virology
Background:
- Ocular melanomas are rare tumors with an unknown etiology.
- Certain viruses, like herpesvirus and RNA tumor viruses, are suspected in human cancers.
- Togavirus has not been previously linked to human or animal tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of viral particles in ocular melanoma specimens.
- To establish and characterize an animal model for viral-induced uveal melanoma.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy was used to examine 57 ocular melanoma samples (human, feline, canine).
- Viral particles were identified and characterized.
- An animal model was created by injecting feline sarcoma virus into newborn kittens.
Main Results:
- Viral particles (herpesvirus, A-type oncornavirus, togavirus) were detected in six ocular melanoma specimens.
- Herpesvirus was isolated in human fibroblasts, forming intranuclear inclusions.
- Togavirus was observed in human and feline melanomas, suggesting a possible link to latent rubella infection.
- An RNA tumor virus induced uveal melanomas in a feline model, showing invasion and metastasis.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest a potential role for herpesviruses, oncornaviruses, and unexpectedly, togaviruses in ocular melanoma development.
- The established feline model provides a new avenue for studying viral-induced uveal melanoma.
- Continued research is crucial to understand the specific viral contributions to uveal melanoma.