STAT3 as a therapeutic target for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV): associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Cancer Lett. 2013 Apr 28;330(2):141-9. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2012.11.052. Epub 2012 Dec 6.

Abstract

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), an endemic head and neck cancer found in Southeast Asia, is etiologically associated with the infection of an oncogenic virus, the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Here, we review literature findings on the potential/putative role of STAT3 signaling in its pathogenesis and discuss anti-STAT3 targeting as a therapeutic and possibly prevention strategy for NPC. Lastly, the potential involvement of STAT3 in other oncovirus-associated (e.g. the human papillomavirus) head and neck cancers have not been investigated and we hope that findings in EBV-associated NPC can prompt future investigations in these cancers, which are of increasing impact in the Western countries.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / complications*
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens / physiology
  • ErbB Receptors / physiology
  • Humans
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / virology
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor / antagonists & inhibitors
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor / genetics
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor / physiology*
  • Viral Matrix Proteins / physiology
  • Viral Proteins / physiology

Substances

  • EBNA-2 protein, Human herpesvirus 4
  • EBV-associated membrane antigen, Epstein-Barr virus
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor
  • Viral Matrix Proteins
  • Viral Proteins
  • ErbB Receptors