The Role of Viruses in Cellular Transformation and Cancer

ABSTRACT Background Viral infections are established contributors to oncogenesis, leading to significant public health challenges. This systematic review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the mechanisms of viral cellular transformation and their association with various cancers. Recent finding...

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Main Author: Donath Damian
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2025-02-01
Series:Cancer Reports
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/cnr2.70150
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author Donath Damian
author_facet Donath Damian
author_sort Donath Damian
collection DOAJ
description ABSTRACT Background Viral infections are established contributors to oncogenesis, leading to significant public health challenges. This systematic review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the mechanisms of viral cellular transformation and their association with various cancers. Recent findings Studies reveal key mechanisms of oncogenesis, including direct viral integration into the host genome, expression of viral oncogenes, and indirect pathways such as chronic inflammation and immune evasion. Notably, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) was linked predominantly to cervical and oropharyngeal cancers, while Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) was associated with lymphomas. Hepatitis B and C viruses were linked to liver cancer, highlighting the diverse impacts of viral infections on oncogenic processes. Conclusions This review underscores the complexity of viral interactions with host cells and their implications for cancer development. Findings suggest that targeted interventions, such as vaccination and antiviral therapies, may play a crucial role in reducing the incidence of virus‐related cancers. Further research is needed to explore novel therapeutic strategies and the role of co‐factors in viral oncogenesis.
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spelling doaj-art-80ab2a62b03d4e5f8ca2d98320499bb42025-08-20T03:04:53ZengWileyCancer Reports2573-83482025-02-0182n/an/a10.1002/cnr2.70150The Role of Viruses in Cellular Transformation and CancerDonath Damian0Department of Biochemistry University of Dar es Salaam – Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences Mbeya TanzaniaABSTRACT Background Viral infections are established contributors to oncogenesis, leading to significant public health challenges. This systematic review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the mechanisms of viral cellular transformation and their association with various cancers. Recent findings Studies reveal key mechanisms of oncogenesis, including direct viral integration into the host genome, expression of viral oncogenes, and indirect pathways such as chronic inflammation and immune evasion. Notably, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) was linked predominantly to cervical and oropharyngeal cancers, while Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) was associated with lymphomas. Hepatitis B and C viruses were linked to liver cancer, highlighting the diverse impacts of viral infections on oncogenic processes. Conclusions This review underscores the complexity of viral interactions with host cells and their implications for cancer development. Findings suggest that targeted interventions, such as vaccination and antiviral therapies, may play a crucial role in reducing the incidence of virus‐related cancers. Further research is needed to explore novel therapeutic strategies and the role of co‐factors in viral oncogenesis.https://doi.org/10.1002/cnr2.70150cancer mechanismscellular transformationEBVHPVsystematic reviewviral oncogenesis
spellingShingle Donath Damian
The Role of Viruses in Cellular Transformation and Cancer
Cancer Reports
cancer mechanisms
cellular transformation
EBV
HPV
systematic review
viral oncogenesis
title The Role of Viruses in Cellular Transformation and Cancer
title_full The Role of Viruses in Cellular Transformation and Cancer
title_fullStr The Role of Viruses in Cellular Transformation and Cancer
title_full_unstemmed The Role of Viruses in Cellular Transformation and Cancer
title_short The Role of Viruses in Cellular Transformation and Cancer
title_sort role of viruses in cellular transformation and cancer
topic cancer mechanisms
cellular transformation
EBV
HPV
systematic review
viral oncogenesis
url https://doi.org/10.1002/cnr2.70150
work_keys_str_mv AT donathdamian theroleofvirusesincellulartransformationandcancer
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