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Human epithelial cells immortalized by human papilloma viruses
Critical Reviews in Oncogenesis
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) can immortalize human epithelial cells, a key step in cancer development. These premalignant cells offer insights into carcinogenesis and potential therapeutic targets for HPV-associated tumors.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are linked to various human cancers, particularly squamous cell carcinomas.
- High-risk HPV DNA can immortalize human epithelial cells, but these cells remain premalignant.
- Immortalized cells are crucial for studying multistep carcinogenesis and environmental factor regulation in vitro.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of HPV-immortalized human epithelial cells.
- To understand the role of these cells in the early stages of cancer development.
- To explore their potential as models for studying carcinogenesis and therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Transfection of human epithelial cells with high-risk HPV DNA.
- Analysis of cellular characteristics including apoptosis, immortalization, and anchorage-independent growth.
- Comparison of cytokine and growth factor responses between normal, immortalized, and malignant cells.
Main Results:
- HPV-transfected cells overcame apoptosis and became immortalized but were not tumorigenic.
- Immortalized cells exhibit genetic instability, predisposing them to malignant progression.
- These cells showed distinct responses to cytokines and growth factors, resembling normal cells more than malignant ones.
Conclusions:
- HPV-induced immortalization of epithelial cells is a critical premalignant event.
- Immortalized cells serve as valuable models for studying cancer initiation and environmental influences.
- Understanding these cellular changes can inform the development of novel anti-cancer therapies.