Endogenous Retroviruses in Human DNA Hold Key to Fighting Cancer, Says Study

Scientists have discovered an endogenous retrovirus (ERV) that has “parasitic” on human DNA for millions of years and may hold the key to fighting or even preventing cancer. When cancer cells in the human body are out of control, the virus that was originally dormant will be awakened, and at the same time, it will help the immune system to attack the tumor precisely.

According to the “BBC” report, 5% to 8% of retroviruses are currently known in the human genome sequence, the oldest of which can be traced back to tens of millions of years ago, and the most recent one is only thousands of years old. When studying lung cancer, the Francis Crick Institute in the UK found that B cells, which play an important role in fighting infectious diseases including new coronary pneumonia, have a special connection with the process of gathering around tumors.

The researchers found that thisRemnants of viruses that cannot be fully revivedIt will be awakened by the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells, and the immune system that detects the resurrection of the virus will “unintentionally” lock and eliminate the cancer cells, thereby suppressing and preventing the further spread of the cancer cells. Ironically, DNA-invading retroviruses may be the oldest cause of cancer in humans, but they are now helping the body’s immune system fight cancer cells.

Dr. Claire Bromley of Cancer Research UK pointed out that cancer cells have almost unlimited evolutionary ability, which makes it sometimes difficult for existing medical technologies to prevent the spread of cancer cells. If the retrovirus can help the immune system to clear cancer cells The key reason is not only to fight cancer, but also to develop a “preventive vaccine” to reduce the threat of cancer to human health.