Question

3. Discuss the concept of viruses and cancer. Include the concept of certain viruses associated with certain cancers and give 3 examples with proper references and citation.

Example 1
Example 2
Example 3

References

Answer 1

Viruses typically initiate cancer development by suppressing the host’s immune system, causing inflammation over a long period of time, or by altering host genes.

Virus cause mutation in the genome and thus convert a normal cell to a cancer cell. Protoncogenes are present in the genome which jump from one place to another and convert a normal cell to cancerous cell. Cell cycle controlling genes are also altered.

1. Epstein-Barr virus - It causes nasopharyngeal and stomach cancer.

2. Hepatitis Virus- liver

3. Human papilloma virus- (HPV)- It causes cervical cancer.

The Epstein-Barr virus causes to Burkitt’s lymphoma. This virus infects B cells of the immune system and epithelial cells.

The hepatitis B virus has been linked to liver cancer in people with chronic infections.

Human papilloma viruses have been linked to cervical cancer. They also cause warts and benign papillomas.

Human herpes virus-8 has been linked to the development of Kaposi sarcoma. Kaposi sarcoma causes patches of abnormal tissue to develop in various area of the body including under the skin, in the lining of the mouth, nose, and throat or in other organs.

Citation-

Viruses Associated with Human Cancer

Margaret E. McLaughlin-Drubin and Karl Munger