DNA Tumor Virus Regulation of Host DNA Methylation and Its Implications for Immune Evasion and Oncogenesis

Viruses. 2018 Feb 13;10(2):82. doi: 10.3390/v10020082.

Abstract

Viruses have evolved various mechanisms to evade host immunity and ensure efficient viral replication and persistence. Several DNA tumor viruses modulate host DNA methyltransferases for epigenetic dysregulation of immune-related gene expression in host cells. The host immune responses suppressed by virus-induced aberrant DNA methylation are also frequently involved in antitumor immune responses. Here, we describe viral mechanisms and virus-host interactions by which DNA tumor viruses regulate host DNA methylation to evade antiviral immunity, which may contribute to the generation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment during cancer development. Recent trials of immunotherapies have shown promising results to treat multiple cancers; however, a significant number of non-responders necessitate identifying additional targets for cancer immunotherapies. Thus, understanding immune evasion mechanisms of cancer-causing viruses may provide great insights for reversing immune suppression to prevent and treat associated cancers.

Keywords: DNA methylation; DNMT; EBV; HBV; HPV; KSHV; antiviral immunity; herpesvirus; immune evasion; papillomavirus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / genetics*
  • Cell Transformation, Viral*
  • DNA Methylation*
  • DNA Tumor Viruses / classification
  • DNA Tumor Viruses / physiology*
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions*
  • Humans
  • Immune Evasion*
  • Tumor Virus Infections / complications
  • Tumor Virus Infections / genetics*
  • Tumor Virus Infections / virology*