O — Oncoviruses
Oncoviruses are a genetically diverse grouping of viruses that can capable of inducing cancer through chronic infection, genomic integration, or expression of oncogenic proteins. Major human oncoviruses include HPV, EBV, HBV, HCV, HTLV-1, and KSHV.
Mechanisms of oncogenesis vary. HPV E6 and E7 proteins inactivate tumour suppressors p53 and Rb. HBV integrates into the host genome and expresses HBx, altering transcription and promoting genomic instability. HTLV-1 Tax protein activates proliferative signalling pathways.
Chronic inflammation also contributes to oncogenesis, particularly in HBV and HCV infections, where repeated cycles of cell injury and regeneration promote mutations.
Oncoviruses account for approximately 10–15% of human cancers globally. Research emphasizes vaccine prevention (e.g., HPV vaccine), antiviral therapy to reduce cancer risk, and understanding viral manipulation of cell cycle and apoptosis pathways.
Oncoviruses are a genetically diverse grouping of viruses that can capable of inducing cancer through chronic infection, genomic integration, or expression of oncogenic proteins. Major human oncoviruses include HPV, EBV, HBV, HCV, HTLV-1, and KSHV.
Mechanisms of oncogenesis vary. HPV E6 and E7 proteins inactivate tumour suppressors p53 and Rb. HBV integrates into the host genome and expresses HBx, altering transcription and promoting genomic instability. HTLV-1 Tax protein activates proliferative signalling pathways.
Chronic inflammation also contributes to oncogenesis, particularly in HBV and HCV infections, where repeated cycles of cell injury and regeneration promote mutations.
Oncoviruses account for approximately 10–15% of human cancers globally. Research emphasizes vaccine prevention (e.g., HPV vaccine), antiviral therapy to reduce cancer risk, and understanding viral manipulation of cell cycle and apoptosis pathways.