The Epstein-Barr virus is considered a possible carcinogen. According to experts, a specific component of the virus can lead to the development of cancer.
frankfurt – according to l Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) About 90 percent of people carry the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which belongs to the herpes virus family. It often goes unnoticed, but in some cases the infection can manifest itself as the so-called glandular fever. As a result of such a disease, the risk of developing multiple sclerosis or Hodgkin’s lymphoma can increase.
Now researchers have more accurately decoded the effect of the virus and found that a specific protein component of EBV drives cancer development. in Stadyfound in the professional magazine nature It was published, and scientists have also proven the relationship between the pathogen and cancer.
Study on EBV herpesvirus: link to cancer confirmed
In a study, researchers led by Julia Su-Cho Lee of the University of California, San Diego, investigated exactly where in the genome the virus protein is located. Analyzes of different human cell cultures revealed that the genome on chromosome 11 contains many copies of a DNA sequence that is similar to the docking sequence in the genetic code of Epstein-Barr virus.
In accordance with this, the Epstein-Barr virus causes cell deterioration in the human body by attaching to the virus’ proteins in a particularly fragile spot on our chromosome 11. According to experts, the resulting fractures promote the development of cancer. Experiments have reportedly shown for the first time how a viral protein ruptures a fragile site in the genome. “We have thus discovered a previously unrecognized relationship between EBV and changes in chromosome 11,” Li and her team reported as part of the study.
Epstein-Barr virus and cancer risk: Herpes virus causes cell deterioration
If DNA is damaged in this way, cells can degrade, which can lead to cancer. According to the study, an evaluation of data from 2,439 tumor types and 38 cancer types showed that carcinoid tumors from patients with latent EBV infection had abnormalities on chromosome 11 more frequently. Thus, the re-emergence of the virus in the human body can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
| slim | men |
| breast cancer (30 percent). | Prostate cancer (24.6%). |
| Colorectal cancer (11.5%). | Lung cancer (13.3%). |
| Lung cancer (9.4%). | Colorectal cancer (12.8%). |
| Source: Cancer Registry Data Center of the Robert Koch Institute |
According to the experts, this discovery opens the possibility of screening people specifically for this risk factor for EBV-related diseases. In addition, knowledge can be used to prevent the emergence of such diseases by preventing DNA from attaching protein to cells.
The carcinogenic effect of the Epstein-Barr virus: German experts call for a vaccine
Also at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and me German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) The carcinogenic effect of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is more accurately decoded. “All human oncoviruses examined so far lead to cancer in a completely different way,” explains Professor Henri-Jacques Delecluse, DZIF scientist at the DKFZ and head of several research projects on the carcinogenic effects of EBV.
Therefore, Delecluse and his team have been advocating the rapid development of a prophylactic vaccine against EBV for some time. “Even the first infection,” confirms Delecluse, “presents a risk of developing cancer.” DZIF press release. (Mercury)
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