Herpesviruses and cancer in man and subhuman primates

Abstract

Because there is strong evidence for the involvement of Epstein-Barr virus in the etiology of Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, we have discussed the relationship of Epstein-Barr virus to these two diseases in the context of geographic distribution, pathology, epidemiology, genetics, immunovirology, and biochemistry. We have also discussed the relationship of Epstein-Barr virus to other diseases, both malignant and non-malignant. Although the etiologic relationship of herpes simplex virus type 2 to squamous carcinoma of the uterine cervix is not on as firm ground, we feel that some good evidence does exist. We have also discussed two oncogenic simian viruses, Herpesvirus saimiri and Herpesvirus ateles. These have a great number of similarities to EBV, and thus may provide models for the study of viral-induced oncogenesis in man. Agents similar to Epstein-Barr virus have been isolated from old world monkeys. These may possibly be of greater importance than either Herpesvirus saimiri or Herpesvirus ateles in the investigation of human virally-induced cancers.