Measles is not typically thought of in positive ways. Even with the availability of a vaccine against the virusThe smallest type of organism known. A single virus particle (called a virion) is much smaller than a cell. Viruses reproduce by invading cells and forcing the cells to make progeny virions. Viruses generally have specific host cells which they infect. Some virus types are associated with specific cancers and can convert normal cells into cancer cells. Examples of viruses associated with cancer are: papillomavirus-cervical cancer, hepatitis virus-liver cancer, Epstein-Barr virus-Burkitt's lymphoma. Virus-induced transformation of cells was one of the very first model systems for the study of cancer. Viruses have also been a key tool in the identification of many oncogenes. Because of their great ability to enter target cells viruses such as adenoviruses are being examined for their ability to deliver genes to cancer cells., over 100,000 people die from measles infections each year. Researchers at the University of Texas and the Mayo Clinic have shown how proteins on the surface of the virus change shape to allow it to enter target cells. An in-depth understanding of how the virus attacks cells is crucial if clinicians are going to be able to design viruses that can attack cancer cells and leave normal cells unharmed.
Top