Tumor virus infections, also known as viral oncogenic infections, refer to the presence and replication of specific viruses within a host organism that can induce the development of tumors or contribute to the growth and progression of existing tumors. These viruses are capable of manipulating the host cell's genetic machinery, resulting in abnormal cellular growth and division.
Tumor virus infections can be caused by different types of viruses, including DNA and RNA viruses. Examples of DNA tumor viruses include the human papillomavirus (HPV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV). RNA tumor viruses, also called retroviruses, include human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
When a tumor virus infects a host cell, it can disrupt normal cell cycle control mechanisms, leading to the uncontrolled growth and division of infected cells. In some cases, the virus may integrate its genetic material into the host cell's DNA, altering the expression of genes involved in cell growth regulation.
Tumor virus infections can contribute to the development of various types of cancers, including cervical cancer (caused by HPV infection), Burkitt's lymphoma (associated with EBV infection), and hepatocellular carcinoma (associated with chronic HBV infection).
The prevention and treatment of tumor virus infections can involve different approaches, including vaccination against specific viral infections and antiviral therapies targeting viral replication or viral-associated oncogenic pathways.
