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The Journal of general virology2003; 84(Pt 5); 1055-1062; doi: 10.1099/vir.0.18947-0

Association of bovine papillomavirus with the equine sarcoid.

Abstract: The equine sarcoid, a locally aggressive, fibroblastic skin tumour, is the most common dermatological neoplasm reported in horses; there is no consistently effective therapy. It is widely accepted that bovine papillomavirus (BPV) types 1 and 2 are associated with the pathogenesis of sarcoid disease. Most sarcoids appear to contain detectable viral DNA and RNA and are also known to express the BPV types 1 and 2 major transforming protein, E5, but appear not to produce infectious virions. While the mode of transmission of infection has not been elucidated, viral gene expression, in particular of E5, may contribute to virus persistence and disease pathogenesis by downregulating MHC class I expression. Here, the pathology and epidemiology of the sarcoid and its association with BPV is reviewed; the transforming functions of the BPV oncoproteins and their possible role in sarcoid pathogenesis are discussed; and the practical implications of BPV infection for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes are considered.
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Publication Date: 2003-04-15 PubMed ID: 12692268DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.18947-0Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The study explores the connection between bovine papillomavirus (BPV) and equine sarcoid, a common skin tumor in horses. It discusses the role of BPV in the development of this disease, transmission methods, potential impacts on diagnostics and treatment, and potential effects of viral genes on the persistence and progression of the disease.

Overview of Equine Sarcoid and Bovine Papillomavirus

  • The study begins by giving a brief overview of equine sarcoid (ES), a type of skin tumor which is prevalent among horses and known for its aggressive nature. It is also pointed out that there are no consistently effective therapies currently available for the treatment of this disease.
  • The role of bovine papillomavirus (BPV), types 1 and 2, in the development of ES is established, with the suggestion that the prevalence of the disease may be due to the association with this virus.

Presence and Detection of Viral DNA and RNA

  • Examinations of ES tumors reveal the presence of detectable viral DNA and RNA, which is believed to increase the risk of horse developing ES. This confirms the association of the disease with BPV.
  • An important factor to note is that despite the presence of the viral DNA and RNA, the tumors do not produce infectious virions (complete viral particles) which could spread the virus to other cells. This suggests that the spread and progression of the disease might be more complex than mere viral infection.

Role of E5 Protein in Disease Progression

  • The study mentions that the major transforming protein of BPV, named E5, is expressed in ES tumors.
  • The role of this protein could be pivotal, as its expression may aid the virus’s persistence and contribute to the pathogenesis of ES. This is supported by the finding that E5 protein downregulates MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex) class I expression, which could suppress the immune response against the virus.

Discussion on Transforming Functions and Practical Implications

  • The researchers outline the transforming functions of BPV oncogenic proteins and their possible roles in the pathogenesis of ES. These proteins influence a cell’s behavior, leading to unintended cell growth or proliferation, a key factor in the development of tumors.
  • Lastly, the study assesses the practical implications of having BPV infections for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment of ES. An improved understanding of these could potentially lead to better strategies for tackling equine sarcoid.

Cite This Article

APA
Chambers G, Ellsmore VA, O'Brien PM, Reid SWJ, Love S, Campo MS, Nasir L. (2003). Association of bovine papillomavirus with the equine sarcoid. J Gen Virol, 84(Pt 5), 1055-1062. https://doi.org/10.1099/vir.0.18947-0

Publication

The Journal of general virology
ISSN: 0022-1317
NlmUniqueID: 0077340
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 84
Issue: Pt 5
Pages: 1055-1062

Researcher Affiliations

Chambers, G
  • Institute of Comparative Medicine, Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Glasgow Veterinary School, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.
Ellsmore, V A
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, University of Glasgow Veterinary School, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.
O'Brien, P M
  • Institute of Comparative Medicine, Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Glasgow Veterinary School, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.
Reid, S W J
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, University of Glasgow Veterinary School, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.
Love, S
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, University of Glasgow Veterinary School, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.
Campo, M S
  • Institute of Comparative Medicine, Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Glasgow Veterinary School, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.
Nasir, L
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, University of Glasgow Veterinary School, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Bovine papillomavirus 1 / pathogenicity
  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
  • Horse Diseases / virology
  • Horses / virology
  • Oncogene Proteins, Viral / genetics
  • Oncogene Proteins, Viral / metabolism
  • Papillomavirus Infections / epidemiology
  • Papillomavirus Infections / veterinary
  • Papillomavirus Infections / virology
  • Skin Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Skin Neoplasms / veterinary
  • Skin Neoplasms / virology
  • Tumor Virus Infections / epidemiology
  • Tumor Virus Infections / veterinary
  • Tumor Virus Infections / virology

Citations

This article has been cited 52 times.
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