Molecular Virology

Virus infection is responsible for approximately 15% of human cancer deaths worldwide, and there may well be additional viruses that as of yet have unrecognized roles in human carcinogenesis. Viral diseases are also a major cause of complications and death in cancer patients. Furthermore, because infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) suppresses the immune system, HIV infection and AIDS are indirectly responsible for many other cancers. The recognition of a cancer as virus-associated provides numerous opportunities to prevent or treat the cancer. For example, approved vaccines against human papillomaviruses and the hepatitis B virus are likely to cause dramatic decreases in the incidence of cervical, liver, and other cancers.

The members of the Molecular Virology Program are studying the mechanisms of viral carcinogenesis. These studies will provide novel approaches to prevent and treat tumors caused by viruses and are also likely to provide insight into the molecular basis of non-viral tumors as well. Indeed, much of our understanding of carcinogenesis in general is the result of the analysis of tumor viruses. In addition, virally induced tumors express viral proteins that may serve as targets for novel anti-viral chemotherapeutic and immunization strategies with the potential to cure cancers. Finally, we are trying to harness the ability of certain viruses to preferentially kill cancer cells as a novel strategy to treat non-viral tumors that respond poorly to conventional treatment approaches.

The members of the Molecular Virology Program are studying the mechanisms of viral carcinogenesis. These studies will provide novel approaches to prevent and treat tumors caused by viruses and are also likely to provide insight into the molecular basis of non-viral tumors as well. Indeed, much of our understanding of carcinogenesis in general is the result of the analysis of tumor viruses. In addition, virally induced tumors express viral proteins that may serve as targets for novel anti-viral chemotherapeutic and immunization strategies with the potential to cure cancers. Finally, we are trying to harness the ability of certain viruses to preferentially kill cancer cells as a novel strategy to treat non-viral tumors that respond poorly to conventional treatment approaches.