Investigation of the role of human Cytomegalovirus in the resistance of glioblastoma cells to chemotherapy in vitro

Abstract

The Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous infectious agent of high prevalence worldwide. In healthy individuals, the infection is normally asymptomatic, however, in cases of immunosuppression the virus can be a life threatening agent. Recent findings demonstrate a relationship between HCMV and cancer. The virus has been detected in different cancer types, especially in glioblastoma, the most malignant kind of glial tumors. The HCMV infection alters molecular cellular mechanisms such as: cell proliferation, cell differentiation, angiogenesis and apoptosis. These alterations can increase the tumor cell malignancy and cellular resistance to chemotherapy. This study aims to investigate the role of HCMV in the resistance of tumor cells to anti-cancer drugs. The dada generated can increase the knowledge about HCMV and tumor malignancy and contribute in the development of therapies against glioblastoma. (AU)