Retroviruses can cause cancer through several mechanisms:
Insertional Mutagenesis: The integration of viral DNA into the host genome can disrupt normal cellular genes, including tumor suppressor genes or proto-oncogenes, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation. Oncogene Activation: Some retroviruses carry their own oncogenes (viral oncogenes), which can directly transform normal cells into cancerous cells. Chronic Infection and Inflammation: Persistent infection by retroviruses can cause chronic inflammation, which is a known risk factor for cancer development.
