The EBV Virus and Cancer

Viruses play a role in causing some types of cancer. One common virus called Epstein-Barr virus, or EBV, is believed to cause some types of lymph node cancer, or lymphomas, and some autoimmune diseases as well. Surprisingly, this virus affects many people and most people who have a healthy immune system dont experience serious symptoms from it. But because of its potential to cause cancer, scientists are eager to know more about this ubiquitous virus. Now, they believe theyve uncovered a pathway that cells use to keep the Epstein-Barr virus, from causing cellular changes that lead to cancer when it infects a cell.

EBV Virus and Cancer

Nine out of ten people are infected with the EBV virus at some point in their lifetime, making it a very common virus. Fortunately, when this happens, the majority of people dont develop serious symptoms. Children usually have a very mild illness, while teenagers experience a classic case of mononucleosis. Its possible for someone infected with the Epstein-Barr virus to have no symptoms at all and not even know theyve been infected. Most people develop immunity to the virus once theyre exposed.

People who have weakened immune systems when theyre infected with EBV virus arent so fortunate. They can develop more serious symptoms including cancers such as lymphomas and hairy cell leukemia. The HBV virus also increases the risk of some autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and SLE.

Epstein-Barr Virus and Cancer

Scientists recently discovered two enzymes called kinases that prevent uncontrolled growth of cells after theyre infected with the EBV virus. When they blocked the action of these cell protective kinases, EBV infected cells were able to grow uncontrollably and turn into cancer.

Theyre hoping treatments can eventually be developed to ensure that these kinases are able to do their job of protecting cells against cancer caused by viruses such as the EBV virus. Its possible that this treatment could be used to prevent other types of cancers caused by viruses such as the human papillomavirus, which is associated with cervical cancer.

EBV Virus and Cancer: The Bottom Line?

According to this research, cells have natural enzymes that help to protect them from being taken over by a virus and forced to divide uncontrollably leading to a cancer. Hopefully, more research will show how the action of these kinases can be enhanced to help protect people infected with the EBV virus againstcancer.

References:

Eurekalert.org. "Scientists Decode Secrets of a Very Common Virus That Can Cause Cancer"