SV40

SV40 or Simian Virus 40 is a polyomavirus that is found in both monkeys and humans. Like other polyomaviruses, SV40 is a DNA virus that has been found to cause tumors, but it is also used in some types of research.

History

SV40 was first discovered in 1960. It was found in monkey kidney cells, which were used to produce the polio vaccine. This led to widespread contamination of the vaccine, and it is estimated that millions of people were exposed to the virus. However, it is not clear whether this exposure has led to an increase in cancer rates.

Structure and genome

SV40 is a small, non-enveloped virus. It has a circular, double-stranded DNA genome that is approximately 5,200 base pairs in length. The genome is divided into an early region and a late region, which are separated by a regulatory region.

Replication

SV40 replicates in the nucleus of the host cell. The virus enters the cell through caveolae, small invaginations in the cell membrane. Once inside the cell, the virus travels to the nucleus, where it uncoats and releases its DNA.

Pathogenesis

SV40 is known to cause tumors in rodents, but its role in human disease is less clear. Some studies have suggested a link between SV40 and certain types of cancer, including mesothelioma, brain cancer, and bone cancer. However, other studies have not found a link, and the issue remains controversial.

Use in research

Despite its potential to cause disease, SV40 has been a valuable tool in research. It has been used to study viral replication and gene expression, and it has also been used to develop gene therapy techniques.

See also

• Polyomavirus
• Polio vaccine
• Cancer

SV40 Resources
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