A review: cellular attachment and entry factors of human tumor-associated viruses

Abstract

Tumorigenesis is a major hidden danger to human health, with over nine million people worldwide dying from tumors annually. About two-thirds of tumors are caused by persistent infection with oncogenic viruses. Since the human carcinogenic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was first discovered, seven human carcinogenic viruses have been identified. Thus, understanding the role of viruses in tumorigenesis is crucial in cancer research. Classical viral infections arise from interactions between viral capsid or envelope proteins and cell surface receptors, which are subsequently internalized through envelope fusion or endocytosis. In this study, we summarize processes by which seven carcinogenic viruses attach to target cells and the co-factors involved.