RNA Viruses and Cancer

Dear Colleagues,

RNA viruses are important class of human pathogens that causes an array of human diseases. RNA viruses can also act as oncoviruses to promote cancer development (oncogenesis). For example, retrovirus like Human T lymphotrophic virus type 1 (HTLV-I) has been associated to T-cell leukemia, while hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been linked to development of liver cancer. Several RNA viruses also possess anti-cancer property. Known as oncolytic viruses, these viruses specifically “kills” cancer cells, but not normal cells. RNA viruses that possess oncolytic activity are vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), measles virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), mumps virus, reovirus, coxsackie virus, poliovirus. In the last decade major stride has been made in understanding the mechanism of oncogenesis by HTLV-I and HCV. These have led to development of treatment regimen to combat virus-associated cancers. Similarly, research with oncolytic viruses has illustrated the possible usage of these natural or genetically engineered “anti-cancer” viruses to treat various cancers and solid tumors either alone or in combination with other non-virus cancer agents (radiation, chemotherapy etc). This has culminated in major progress for development of safe and efficacious oncolytic viruses that can specifically target cancer cells (and tumors). This Special Issue will publish original research papers and review articles on RNA oncovirues (HTLV-I and HCV) and oncolytic viruses that possess RNA genome.

Prof. Dr. Santanu Bose
Guest Editor

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