Pathogenetic aspects of viral mediated cancerogenesis –human oncogenic viruses
Medical Review (Med. pregled), 2023, 59(6), 13-25.
T. Valkov1,2, G. Dimitrov3,4, R. Argirova5
1 Department of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine at Medical University – Sofia
2 University Hospital for Active Treatment in Infectious and Parasitic Diseases „Prof. Ivan Kirov“ – Sofia
3 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy, and Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine at Medical University – Sofia
4 Clinic of Medical Oncology, University Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment „Tsaritsa Yoanna-ISUL“ – Sofia
5 Clinical Laboratory, Acibadem City Clinic University Multiprofile Hospital Tokuda – Sofia
Abstract. The capacity of certain viruses to elicit oncological diseases was first demonstrated through animal experiments dating back to 1911. Alongside other recognized contributors to malignant neoplasms such as chemical carcinogens, environmental factors, ionizing radiation, and lifestyle choices (e.g. tobacco use), viral infections occupy a significant role in the genesis of malignancies. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 17-20% of global cancers arise due to viral infections. The WHO designates seven human-pathogenic viral agents that possess transformative oncogenic potential. These encompass: members of the Papillomaviridae family; Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) and Kaposi’s Sarcoma Herpesvirus/Human Herpesvirus 8 (KSHV/HHV-8), representing the human herpesvirus family; Human T-lymphotropic Virus-1 (HTLV-1); hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV, HCV) & Merkel Cell Polyomavi¬rus (MCPyV). This review aims to explore and systematize the currently understood mechanisms of action of the above-mentioned oncogenic viruses.
Key words: оncoviruses, cancerogenesis, oncogenes, tumor-suppressor genes
Address for correspondence: Prof. Radka Argirova, e-mail: radkaargirova@abv.bg