Human Oncoviruses: Mucocutaneous Manifestations, Pathogenesis, Therapeutics, and Prevention (Part I: Papillomaviruses and Merkel cell polyomavirus)

Abstract In 1964, the first human oncovirus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), was identified in Burkitt lymphoma cells. Since then, six other human oncoviruses have been identified: human papillomavirus (HPV), Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV), human T-cell lymphotropic virus-1 (HTLV-1), and human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8). These viruses are causally linked to 12% of all cancers, many of which have mucocutaneous manifestations. Additionally, oncoviruses are associated with multiple benign mucocutaneous diseases. Research regarding the pathogenic mechanisms of oncoviruses as well as virus-specific treatment and prevention is rapidly evolving. Preventative vaccines for HPV and HBV are already available. This review discusses the mucocutaneous manifestations, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of oncovirus-related diseases. Part I of the review focuses on diseases associated with HPV and MCPyV, while part II focuses on diseases associated with HBV, HCV, HTLV-1, HHV-8, and EBV.