Reflections on Some of the Exceptional Features of HTLV-1 and HTLV-1 Research: A Perspective

Robert C Gallo; Yutaka Tagaya

doi:10.3389/fimmu.2022.859654

Reflections on Some of the Exceptional Features of HTLV-1 and HTLV-1 Research: A Perspective

Front Immunol. 2022 Apr 1:13:859654. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.859654. eCollection 2022.

Authors

Robert C Gallo¹, Yutaka Tagaya²

Affiliations

¹ Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.
² Cell Biology Lab, Division of Virology, Pathogenesis and Cancer, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.

Abstract

The report is not a review or a summary. In a manner, it is a perspective but an unusual one. It looks back to the years my colleagues and I (RG) began preparing for human retroviruses (beginning in 1970), how they evolved, and attempts to bring to light or simply to emphasize many exceptional characteristics of a retrovirus known as HTLV-1 and some fortuitous coincidences, with emphasis on the needs of the field. These events cover over one half a century. We have had many reviews on HTLV-1 disease, epidemiology, and basic aspects of its replication, genome, gene functions, structure, and pathogenesis, though continued updates are needed. However, some of its truly exceptional features have not been highlighted, or at least not in a comprehensive manner. This article attempts to do so.

Keywords: HTLV-1; development of a concept; human oncovirus; human retrovirus; leukemogenesis.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Human T-lymphotropic virus 1* / genetics
Humans