Lung Cancer and Human Papilloma Viruses (HPVs): Examining the Molecular Evidence

Figure 1

Viral entry and integration. The diagram shows the entry of viral DNA into the lung tissue either through the microabrasions in the membrane or through the haematogenous route from a different entry point as cervix or anus. Molecules such as HSPGs and α-integrins serve as surface receptors for the viral attachment and entry. Viral DNA exists and episome and later on integrates into the host genome losing an FHIT gene allele resulting in heterozygosity and subsequently upregulates the expression of proapoptotic protein Bcl-2.