Cancer research

Oncogenic Viruses Rewire the Epigenome in Human Cancer

Strategic Insights

Jun 22, 2025 — 1 min read

Researchers at the Universidad de Las Americas have conducted a comprehensive review on the role of oncogenic viruses in modulating the epigenetic landscape of human cancer. The study highlights the significant contribution of viruses, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV), to approximately 15-20% of global cancer cases. These viruses orchestrate widespread and durable changes in DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin accessibility, and non-coding RNA expression, promoting tumorigenesis and silencing tumor suppressors.

Key Takeaways:

Oncogenic viruses, such as HPV, EBV, HBV, and HCV, contribute to approximately 15-20% of global cancer cases.
These viruses reshape the host epigenome to establish persistent infection and promote tumorigenesis through widespread and durable changes in DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin accessibility, and non-coding RNA expression.
Oncogenic viruses orchestrate changes that silence tumor suppressors, deregulate oncogenic pathways, and induce stemness-like phenotypes.
The study highlights recent advances in therapeutic strategies, including oncolytic virotherapy, epigenetic drugs, and immune modulation through combinational therapy.
These integrated approaches hold transformative potential for more durable and targeted treatment outcomes.

Statistics:

15-20% of global cancer cases are attributed to oncogenic viruses.
Oncogenic viruses modulate the epigenetic landscape in human cancer through widespread and durable changes in DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin accessibility, and non-coding RNA expression.
Recent advances in therapeutic strategies, including oncolytic virotherapy, epigenetic drugs, and immune modulation through combinational therapy, hold transformative potential for more durable and targeted treatment outcomes.

Sources:

Universidad de Las Americas
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.3389/fcimb.2025.1617198
Hepatitis Weekly

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