Hardy Zuckerman feline sarcoma virus (HZFSV) is a type of retrovirus belonging to the genus of oncoviruses, which are capable of causing the formation of cancerous tumors in animals. Specifically, HZFSV is known to induce sarcomas, which are malignant tumors arising from connective tissues, in cats.
This virus was first discovered and named after its original isolator, Dr. Hardy Zuckerman, who identified its oncogenic properties in the 1960s. HZFSV has since been extensively studied as a model for understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying cancer progression in both animal models and humans.
The virus is transmitted horizontally between infected cats, typically through direct contact or exposure to bodily fluids such as saliva or blood. It can also be vertically transmitted from an infected mother to her offspring during childbirth or through nursing.
Infection with HZFSV typically leads to the development of rapidly growing tumors at the site of inoculation, most commonly in the connective tissues, such as the skin, muscle, or bone. These tumors are highly invasive and can metastasize to other organs, resulting in potentially life-threatening complications.
Today, HZFSV is used as a valuable research tool to investigate the molecular mechanisms of cancer and evaluate potential therapeutic approaches for its treatment. Additionally, this virus has contributed to advancements in our understanding of tumor immunology and the development of animal models for studying cancer biology.
