Large T Antigen (LT)

Isoform large T antigen is a key early protein essential for both driving viral replication and inducing cellular transformation. Plays a role in viral genome replication by driving entry of quiescent cells into the cell cycle and by autoregulating the synthesis of viral early mRNA. Displays highly oncogenic activities by corrupting the host cellular checkpoint mechanisms that guard cell division and the transcription, replication, and repair of DNA. Participates in the modulation of cellular gene expression preceeding viral DNA replication. This step involves binding to host key cell cycle regulators retinoblastoma protein RB1/pRb and TP53. Induces the disassembly of host E2F1 transcription factors from RB1, thus promoting transcriptional activation of E2F1-regulated S-phase genes.