About this Research Topic
Description: Human T-cell leukemia viruses 1 and 2 (HTLV-1 and HTLV-2) have similar genomic structure but differ in pathogenicity. HTLV-1 is associated with ATL whereas HTLV-2 has not been linked to lymphoproliferative diseases. A comparative analysis between the two viruses is important to reach a better understanding of the difference in pathogenesis. A key role is attributed to the Tax proteins; Tax-1 function and structure has been thoroughly investigated but less is known about Tax-2. Recent studies on HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 expression strategies highlighted converging patterns as well as peculiar differences in the expression of regulatory proteins that might influence the pathobiology of these viruses. The study of interaction of regulatory proteins with cellular pathways factors has opened new avenues in understanding the mechanisms of gene transcription and deregulation. However, further investigation is needed on the role on innate immunity on HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 pathogenesis. Concerning the mechanisms of infection and related diseases and of their interaction with other co-infecting agents, the comparison between HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 needs further investigation. The reviews and original research articles in this Research Topic are aimed at further exploring the following issues:
1. Interaction with cellular regulatory factors;
2. Fine tuning of temporal expression;
3. Mechanisms of infection and differential pathogenesis;
4. Effects on cell cycle progression;
5. Role of Tax proteins and of their post-translational modifications;
6. Differential modulation of cellular signaling pathways;
7. Intracellular localization of Tax proteins;
8. Role of the divergent carboxy-termini of Tax proteins;
9. Role of Tax proteins in induction of DNA damages and prevention of DNA repair mechanisms;
10. Role of Tax proteins in the inhibition of tumor suppressors;
11. Role of HBZ/APH-2
1. Interaction with cellular regulatory factors;
2. Fine tuning of temporal expression;
3. Mechanisms of infection and differential pathogenesis;
4. Effects on cell cycle progression;
5. Role of Tax proteins and of their post-translational modifications;
6. Differential modulation of cellular signaling pathways;
7. Intracellular localization of Tax proteins;
8. Role of the divergent carboxy-termini of Tax proteins;
9. Role of Tax proteins in induction of DNA damages and prevention of DNA repair mechanisms;
10. Role of Tax proteins in the inhibition of tumor suppressors;
11. Role of HBZ/APH-2
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