Current Perspectives on the Molecular Pathogenesis of Virus-Induced Cancers in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

A distinct group of cancers particularly threaten humanimmunodeficiencyvirus (HIV)-infected people. Most HIV/acquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome (AIDS)-associated cancers have asubstantial componentof viral etiology. Epstein-Barr virus(EBV), Kaposi's sarcoma-associatedherpesvirus (HHV8), humanpapillomavirus (HPV), and HIV havebeen implicated in theetiology of cancers in AIDS. The molecularmechanisms by whichHPV, EBV, HHV8, and HIV persist and causecancer are summarized.The viral etiology of AIDS-associatedcancers is importantbecause pharmacologic and immunologic strategiesto prevent orattack persistent or latent virus infection andcell growthtransformation may be useful in preventing and treatingthesecancers. Effective immune attack on latent and persistentvirusinfection will require enhanced cellular immune responses.Suchresponses may be achievable through active immunizationor by in vitro expansion of viral and host specific cytotoxicandhelper T lymphocytes. Enhanced knowledge of clinicallyappliedT-cell immunology may also be useful in preventing andtreatingHIV infection and other opportunistic infections inHIV-infectedpeople.