Mutations in glioblastoma oncosuppressive pathways pave the way for oncomodulatory activity of cytomegalovirus

Figures & data

Figure 1. Mechanisms of STAT3 activation by CMV. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) can activate signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells by 3 different mechanisms. CMV-infected cells secrete increased levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), stimulating signal transduction via the IL-6 receptor (IL6R)-STAT3 axis.⁸ US28 is a CMV-encoded constitutively active chemokine receptor that is capable of activating STAT3.⁹ The CMV virion can activate STAT3 via platelet-derived growth factor receptor α chain (PDGFRα), presumably by means of the viral surface glycoprotein B.¹⁰ The combination of STAT3 activation and oncosuppressor gene loss significantly exacerbates the malignancy of GBM cells.

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