The AP‐1 pathway; A key regulator of cellular transformation modulated by oncogenic viruses

Summary Cancer progression is critically associated with modulation of host cell signaling pathways. Activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) signaling is one such pathway whose deregulation renders the host more susceptible to cancer development. Oncogenic viruses, including hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, human papilloma virus, Epstein‐Barr virus, human T‐cell lymphotropic virus type 1, and Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpes virus, are common causes of cancer. This review discusses how these oncoviruses by acting through various aspects of the host cell signaling machinery such as the AP‐1 pathway might affect oncoviral tumorigenesis, replication, and pathogenesis. The review also briefly considers how the pathway might be targeted during infections with these oncogenic viruses.