Cellular and virological studies directed to the pathogenesis of the human myelogenous leukemias

RNA-tumorviruses, oncogenes, and their possible role in human carcinogenesis

The detection and characterization of oncogenes via RNA tumor viruses (or retroviruses) and the recognition of their location at breakpoints of chromosomal translocations which are frequently found in certain human neoplasms has promoted present understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying carcinogenesis. Oncogenes are cellular genes which can be transduced by RNA tumorviruses and induce malignant transformation under experimental conditions in vivo and in vitro. A role of retroviruses in human leukemogenesis is suggested by epidemiological observations and by the isolation of such viruses from several human T-cell leukemias and lymphomas (human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma virus or HTLV) as well as by biochemical association of retroviral markers with human leukemias. A role of HTLV has been suggested also in a human immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). In view of the well known role of many factors in carcinogenesis the concept of carcinogenesis as a multistep process as well as the concept of cocarcinogenesis and the role of cofactors other than viruses, such as radiation and chemicals, aging, hormones, graft vs host reaction, environmental factors etc., will have to be carefully considered.

Regulation of human T-cell proliferation: T-cell growth factor and isolation of a new class of type-C retroviruses from human T-cells

The discovery, characterization, and purification of human T-cell growth factor (TCGF) has led to the establishment of continuously growing T-lymphoblast cell lines from normal people and from patients with certain T-cell neoplasias. In contrast to normal T-cells, neoplastic mature T-cells respond directly to TCGF, requiring no prior lectin or antigen in vitro activation. The transformed T-cell lines have phenotypic characteristics consistent with the neoplastic cells of their disease of origin. A novel retrovirus, human T-cell lymphoma-leukemia virus (HTLV), has been isolated from the fresh and cultured cells of two of these patients. Subsequent characterization of this virus has shown that it is not significantly related to any known animal retrovirus, is not an endogenous (genetically transmitted) virus of man, and so far has been associated only with fresh or cultured T-cells from patients with T-cell neoplasia. These results suggest that HTLV infected some mature T-cells of some people and that it might be involved in some neoplasias involving these cells.