Epigenetic Pathways of Oncogenic Viruses: Therapeutic Promises

Abstract

Cancerous transformation comprises different events that are both genetic and epigenetic. The ultimate goal for such events is to maintain cell survival and proliferation. This transformation occurs as a consequence of different features such as environmental and genetic factors, as well as some types of infection. Many viral infections are considered to be causative agents of a number of different malignancies. To convert normal cells into cancerous cells, oncogenic viruses must function at the epigenetic level to communicate with their host cells. Oncogenic viruses encode certain epigenetic factors that lead to the immortality and proliferation of infected cells. The epigenetic effectors produced by oncogenic viruses constitute appealing targets to prevent and treat malignant diseases caused by these viruses. In this review, we highlight the importance of epigenetic reprogramming for virus-induced oncogenesis, with special emphasis on viral epigenetic oncoproteins as therapeutic targets. The discovery of molecular components that target epigenetic pathways, especially viral factors, is also discussed. Oncoviruses are the underlying cause of many cancers worldwide. Upon entering the cell, they lead to gene transcription chaos through hijacking the host cell epigenetic machinery, pointing at potential antiviral therapeutic strategies specifically targeting the viral epigenetic events. This review highlights the potential of viral epigenetic manipulation pathways in therapy along with previous work in this research area.