45 years after the discovery of human polyomaviruses BK and JC: Time to speed up the understanding of associated diseases and treatment approaches

Abstract

Nearly 45 years after the discovery of the first two human polyomaviruses BK and JC, their life-long persistence and mechanisms of pathogenesis remain poorly understood and efficient antiviral treatments are severely lacking. In this review, we sought to provide an update on recent advances in understanding the life cycle of these two viruses, particularly focusing on their interaction with the host immune system and pathogenesis. We have also discussed novel treatment approaches and highlighted areas of future research.

Keywords:

• Viral persistence
• polyomavirus-associated nephropathy
• progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
• anti-viral immunity
• treatment

Acknowledgements

We searched PubMed for papers written in English with the search terms polyomavirus in combination with epidemiology, or virology, or immunology, or clinical manifestations, or diagnosis, or therapies. Relevant review articles were used and bibliographies of selected publications were reviewed for other references we judged relevant. We thank Véronique Christ for assistance in preparing and formatting the review.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no declarations of interest.