Tumor virus

Tumor Virus

A tumor virus is a type of virus that can cause cancer. This process is known as viral oncogenesis. There are several types of tumor viruses including DNA viruses and RNA viruses.

Overview

Tumor viruses come in several different types, each with their own unique characteristics and methods of causing cancer. These include DNA viruses such as HPV, EBV, HBV, and KSHV. RNA viruses include HTLV-1 and HCV.

Mechanism of Action

Tumor viruses cause cancer by integrating their genetic material into the DNA of the host cell. This can lead to the overexpression of oncogenes, or the inhibition of tumor suppressor genes, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and the formation of a tumor.

DNA Viruses

DNA viruses, such as HPV, EBV, HBV, and KSHV, are known to cause various types of cancers. For example, HPV can cause cervical cancer, while HBV and HCV can cause liver cancer.

RNA Viruses

RNA viruses, such as HTLV-1 and HCV, can also cause cancer. HTLV-1 is known to cause a type of leukemia known as ATLL, while HCV can cause liver cancer.

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention of tumor virus infection can be achieved through vaccination, such as the HPV vaccine for HPV and the hepatitis B vaccine for HBV. Treatment of cancers caused by tumor viruses can involve a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, as well as antiviral therapy in some cases.

See Also

• Oncovirus
• Carcinogenesis
• Virology

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