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Cancer Virus Protein Needed for Infection

Posted on: Friday, 31 March 2006, 21:25 CST

(RedOrbit) New research by scientists with The Ohio State University Cancer Program and OSU College of Veterinary Medicine shows that a protein called p13 is needed for the cancer-causing virus human T lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) to successfully infect and reproduce within the body.

p13 is a type of 'accessory' protein previously thought to be unimportant for HTLV-1 survival. According to Michael Lairmore, professor and Chair of Veterinary Biosciences and a member of the OSU Comprehensive Cancer Center, "it is important to understand the function of these accessory molecules so we know if they should be incorporated into vaccines or targeted by new drugs as a way to prevent infection."

HTLV-1, which is spread by sexual activity, infected blood or breast milk, infects 15 to 20 million people worldwide, about 5% of whom develop adult T cell leukemia or lymphoma (ATLL.)

"These findings should help us begin to learn whether this viral protein influences cell survival, perhaps by extending the life of the cell," says Lairmore. The research will be published in the April 1 issue of the Journal of Virology.

By Karen Ventii of RedOrbit from Wire reports

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