The interplay of host genetic factors and Epstein-Barr virus in the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Maria Li Lung*, Arthur Kwok Leung Cheung, Josephine Mun Yee Ko, Hong Lok Lung, Yue Cheng, Wei Dai

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

39 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The interplay between host cell genetics and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection contributes to the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Understanding the host genetic and epigenetic alterations and the influence of EBV on cell signaling and host gene regulation will aid in understanding the molecular pathogenesis of NPC and provide useful biomarkers and targets for diagnosis and therapy. In this review, we provide an update of the oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes associated with NPC, as well as genes associated with NPC risk including those involved in carcinogen detoxification and DNA repair. We also describe the importance of host genetics that govern the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex and immune responses, and we describe the impact of EBV infection on host cell signaling changes and epigenetic regulation of gene expression. High-power genomic sequencing approaches are needed to elucidate the genetic basis for inherited susceptibility to NPC and to identify the genes and pathways driving its molecular pathogenesis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)556-568
Number of pages13
JournalChinese Journal of Cancer
Volume33
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2014

Scopus Subject Areas

  • Oncology

User-Defined Keywords

  • Cell signaling
  • Epstein-Barr virus
  • Human leukocyte antigen
  • Inflammation
  • NPC genetics

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