Viral Manipulation of the Host Epigenome as a Driver of Virus-Induced Oncogenesis

Tumorigenesis due to viral infection accounts for a high fraction of the total global cancer burden (15-20%) of all human cancers. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms by which viral infection leads to tumor development is extremely important. One of the main mechanisms by which viruses induce host cell proliferation programs is through controlling the host's epigenetic machinery. In this review, we dissect the epigenetic pathways through which oncogenic viruses can integrate their genome into host cell chromosomes and lead to tumor progression. In addition, we highlight the potential use of drugs based on histone modifiers in reducing the global impact of cancer development due to viral infection.

Automated summary

Viral infection-induced tumorigenesis contributes significantly to the global burden of cancer, with viruses manipulating host epigenetic machinery to induce tumor formation. Drugs targeting histone modifiers show promise in reducing the overall impact of cancer development caused by viral infection.