| Popis: |
Publisher Summary Murine polyomavirus is an oncogenic small DNA virus in the Papova virus group. The virus was found to induce tumors in different tissues of mice, hamsters, and rabbits, hence, the name polyoma. The chapter reviews the recent data for the role of the immune system in polyomavirus persistence and polyomavirus-induced tumor development. In vivo and in vitro studies suggest that the cellular immune system, in particular T cells, plays a major role in the prevention of polyoma tumor development and the rejection of polyomavirus-induced tumors. The chapter discusses the molecular characteristics of polyomavirus. The target of T-cell-dependent immune response against polyoma tumor cells is the polyoma tumor-specific transplantation antigen (TSTA). Viral factors, host factors, and route of inoculation influence viral replication, persistence, and polyomavirus-induced tumor development. The chapter provides an account for the studies on polyomavirus persistence and polyomavirus-induced tumor development in immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice. The chapter summarizes recent findings regarding polyomavirus infection in vivo , including data on immunologic control of viral persistence and tumor development. Mice with a persistent polyomavirus infection are at risk of developing polyomavirus-induced tumors if their T-cell function is abrogated. Detailed studies on various ways of immunizing or preventing a persistent infection may create new paths of also inhibiting tumor development. |
