Review: Oncoviruses linking ageing hallmarks and cancer signalling
This review abstract describes how oncoviruses such as HPV, Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis B and C viruses and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus are reported to reprogramme host signalling, connecting hallmarks of ageing with cancer. It is a synthesis of current knowledge, not new experimental data. [1]
Automatic summary · not editorially reviewed
The key findings
The abstract states that oncoviruses cause a substantial fraction of human cancers and modulate host pathways that also govern ageing. [1]
Viral proteins frequently target p53, mTOR, NF-κB, PI3K/AKT and Wnt/β-catenin, which the abstract links to dysregulated survival, proliferation and senescence. [1]
The review is said to discuss virus-induced changes to the tumour microenvironment and immune responses in the interplay of ageing and cancer. [1]
The source at a glance
- Study type / format
- Narrative review (abstract only)
- Population / context
- Human cancers and host cells discussed in a review of oncoviruses, ageing and cancer
- Summary based on
- Study abstract
- Original publication
- September 1, 2026
Shared mechanisms of oncoviruses, ageing and cancer
The abstract states that oncoviruses cause a substantial fraction of human cancers and act as modulators of host cellular pathways that also govern ageing. It names shared molecular mechanisms: genomic instability, epigenetic alterations, telomere attrition and chronic inflammation. The review focuses on how these viruses intersect with hallmarks of ageing and cancer.
Supporting source [1]
Viral targeting of p53, mTOR, NF-κB and other pathways
According to the abstract, viral proteins frequently target central pathways including p53, mTOR, NF-κB, PI3K/AKT and Wnt/β-catenin. This is described as leading to dysregulated cell survival, proliferation and senescence. The text says these interactions facilitate tumourigenesis and also accelerate ageing-associated cellular dysfunctions such as immunosenescence and inflammaging.
Supporting source [1]
Tumour microenvironment and immune response in the review
The abstract says the review also discusses how virus-induced modulation of the tumour microenvironment and host immune responses contributes to the interplay between ageing and cancer. It frames oncoviruses as having a dual role, as drivers of both age-related decline and cancer development, and suggests these mechanisms may point to therapeutic targets and prevention strategies in ageing populations.
Supporting source [1]
How to interpret this
This is an abstract only; the full text was not reviewed. It is a narrative synthesis of current knowledge, not a new study, and the abstract reports no sample, follow-up, effect sizes or quantified uncertainty. Statements about accelerated ageing-associated dysfunction and about possible therapeutic targets are described as interpretations and prospects, not demonstrated human outcomes.
Based on the study abstract; the full paper, tables and supplementary data were not reviewed.
Source & supporting passages
Allehyani N, Alissa M, Alghamdi A, Alshehri MA, Abusalim GS, Juraybi TN, Alsuwat MA, Safhi AY. · europepmc.org · September 1, 2026