Abstract
The human T-cell lymphotropic viruses type I and type II are closely related human retroviruses that have similar biological properties, genetic organization and tropism for T lymphocytes. Along with the simian T-cell lymphoma virus type I, they define the group of retroviruses known as the primate T-cell leukemia/lymphoma viruses. Initially identified in 1980, the human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I has been implicated as the etiologic agent of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and of a degenerative neurologic disorder known as tropical spastic paraparesis or human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I-associated myelopathy. The intriguing link between human T-cell lymphotropic virus type, T-cell malignancy, and a totally unrelated and non-overlapping neurological disorder suggests divergent and unique pathogenetic mechanisms. This review will address the epidemiology, molecular biology, and pathogenesis of human T-cell leukemia viruses.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 91-104 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Blood Reviews |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 1997 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Hematology
- Oncology