Which oncogenic virus is linked to Hepatocellular carcinoma?

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is the oncogenic virus most commonly linked to the development of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Chronic infection with HBV can lead to liver cirrhosis, which significantly increases the risk of liver cancer. The mechanism by which HBV contributes to oncogenesis involves several factors, including the integration of the viral genome into the host's DNA, resulting in the expression of viral proteins that can induce cellular transformation and inhibit apoptosis. Additionally, the inflammatory environment caused by chronic hepatitis can lead to further liver damage and dysregulation of normal cellular processes, ultimately predisposing the liver tissue to malignant transformation.

Other viruses listed in the options, such as Human T-lymphotropic Virus 1, Cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), are associated with other types of malignancies, but not predominantly with Hepatocellular carcinoma. For instance, Human T-lymphotropic Virus 1 is linked with adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, Cytomegalovirus is primarily known for its role in various infections and complications rather than malignancy, and Epstein-Barr Virus is closely associated with lymphomas and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Therefore, while some of