Did you know that certain viruses can cause cancer? Which viruses and which cancers are involved? How do we explain the link between viruses and cancer? Follow the MOOC “Viruses and Human Cancers” to find out more.
Nearly one in six human cancers is induced by a viral infection. In developing countries, this proportion can be much higher, to the point where viral infections are sometimes the leading cause of cancer.
Here are 5 reasons to take this course:
Reason #1 : You will be able to explain the direct mechanisms of tumorigenesis induction by some viruses.As mandatory intracellular parasites, some viruses can control proliferation, differentiation, cell death and genome integrity.
Reason #2 : You will learn that viruses can also induce cancers indirectly through inflammation, cell stress and their impact on the immune system.
Reason #3 : You will know the cancers linked to retroviruses, papillomaviruses, hepatitis B and C viruses, and herpesviruses.
Reason #4 : You will understand that prevention is key to combat these cancers linked to viruses. For instance, vaccination against papillomaviruses is the most efficient tool to prevent cervical and some ENT cancers, and vaccination against hepatitis B virus is the best prevention tool for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Reason #5 : You will discover that recovery from viral infection does not always fully prevent cancer occurrence, for instance for hepatitis C.
To find out more and register, click here.
This course is part of the Institut Pasteur's Digital Diploma in Infectious Diseases (DNM2IP).
To discover all Institut Pasteur MOOCs, click here.
Course starts: May 6, 2025
Enrolment deadline: May 5, 2026
