A multi-institutional study confirms the presence and expression of simian virus 40 in human malignant mesotheliomas

Exposure to the carcinogen asbestos is a major factor in the development of malignant mesothelioma. However, not all mesotheliomas are associated with asbestos exposure, and only a small minority of people exposed to asbestos develop mesothelioma. Therefore, the identification of the cofactors that render certain individuals more susceptible to asbestos or that cause mesothelioma in people not exposed to asbestos has been a major priority of the International Mesothelioma Interest Group. The possible association of SV40 with mesothelioma was recently discussed in a special session at the Fourth International Mesothelioma Interest Group Conference, and it was decided to conduct a multi-institutional study to independently verify the presence of this tumor virus in mesotheliomas. We report the results of this investigation: (a) DNA and protein analyses revealed SV40 sequences and SV40 large T antigen expression in 10 of 12 mesotheliomas tested (83%); and (b) electron microscopy demonstrated variable amounts of asbestos fibers in 5 (71%) of 7 corresponding lung tissues available for analysis. Our results demonstrate that SV40 DNA is frequently present and expressed in mesotheliomas in the United States. Because our data demonstrate that some patients test positive for both SV40 and asbestos, the possibility that these two carcinogens interact should be investigated in future studies.