Epstein-Barr virus: induction and control of cell transformation.
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a ubiquitous human herpes virus, is associated with an increasing number of lymphoid and epithelial malignancies. The ability of the virus to establish life-long persistent infections and induce growth transformation is related to the function of a set of viral proteins that are variously expressed in both normal and malignant cells. Recent evidence indicates that these viral proteins are able to usurp cellular pathways that promote the cell growth and survival, while impairing anti-viral immune responses. Elucidation of the mechanisms by which EBV induces cell transformation and escapes host immune control provides the rational background for the design of new strategies of intervention for EBV-related malignancies.
Dolcetti
Riccardo
R
Immunovirology and Biotherapy Unit, Department of Pre-Clinical and Epidemiological Research, C.R.O.-I.R.C.C.S., National Cancer Institute, Aviano (PN), Italy. rdolcetti@cro.it
Masucci
Maria G
MG
D000818:Animals; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000276:immunology; D003546:Cysteine Endopeptidases / Q000378:metabolism; D015870:Gene Expression; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009097:Multienzyme Complexes / Q000378:metabolism; D015513:Oncogene Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D009857:Oncogenes; D046988:Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000235:genetics
D009097:Multienzyme Complexes; D015513:Oncogene Proteins; D014764:Viral Proteins; D003546:Cysteine Endopeptidases; D046988:Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex