Certain strains for both DNA and RNA viruses are capable of causing cancer
Why do some viruses induce cancer in their hosts?
The needs of virally infected cells are similar to cancerous ones
They actively damage DNA by inserting themselves into the host genome
They prevent transcription of tumor suppressors
Which of the following ways are used by viruses to alter cells (and potentially trigger cancer)?
Express genes that alter key transduction pathways
Chronic activation of inflammatory responses
Integration of viral genome interrupts control of various genes
Viral infection, by itself, cannot trigger cancer
Which of the following must happen in order for viral infection to create cancerous cells? Answer can be single, or multiple.
Immunocompromised host
Further genetic alterations (other than those caused by cancer)
Damage to the cell via cytokines