Experimental evidence for the oncogenic potential of herpes simplex virus.

The data presented in this review reveal the transforming potential and oncogenic capability of herpes simplex viruses in cultured cells and in experimental animals, respectively. Unfortunately, the role of these agents in human cancer, especially cervical, cannot be unequivocally established through the indirect approaches used, but circumstantial evidence that these viruses represent potential oncogens in the human population is mounting.