TT viruses: oncogenic or tumor-suppressive properties?
Torque teno (TT) viruses have been more frequently reported in malignant biopsies when compared to normal control tissue. The possible contribution of TT virus infection to human carcinogenesis or the potential oncolytic functions of these virus infections are being discussed based on available experimental evidence. The data could suggest an involvement of TT virus infections as an indirect carcinogen by modulating T cell immune responses. Significant oncolytic functions, potentially mediated by the inhibition of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB transcription factor or by apoptin-like gene activities, are emerging to be less likely.
zur Hausen
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Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280,69120 Heidelberg, Germany. zurhausen@dkfz-heidelberg.de
de Villiers
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EM
D002472:Cell Transformation, Viral; D004263:DNA Tumor Viruses / Q000502:physiology*; D004266:DNA Virus Infections / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000821:virology*; D022783:Torque teno virus / Q000502:physiology*; D014412:Tumor Virus Infections / Q000821:virology*