Scientists identify new strategy for fighting viral infections and cancer in animal model

A potential therapeutic strategy for treating viral infections and enhancing immunity against cancer is reported in the May 30th online edition of the journal Cell.

The work, conducted by scientists from the Wake Forest School of Medicine, showed that increased body production of type 1 interferon was able to eliminate viral and viral infection. 39, increase immunity against cancer by identifying a sensor involved in the suppression of interferon production in an animal model.

Interferons are a group of signaling proteins made and released by host cells in response to the presence of several viruses. In a typical scenario, a cell infected with a virus releases interferons, forcing nearby cells to strengthen their anti-viral defenses.

Interferons also help the immune system fight cancer and can slow the growth of cancer cells.

The principal investigator of the study was Hui-Kuan Lin, Ph.D., a professor of cancer biology at the Wake Forest School of Medicine, who is part of Wake Forest Baptist Health.

In this study, Lin's team discovered that the production of interferon (IFN) by RIG-I type receptors (RLRs), plays a vital role in raising the level of blood pressure. host immunity for viral clearance and immune surveillance of cancer. They reported that glycolysis, the first step in breaking down glucose to extract energy for cell metabolism, was inactivated during RLR activity. This inactivation was the key to activate the production of type I IFNs.

Using pharmacological and genetic approaches, scientists have shown that lactate reduction by inactivation of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) increases the production of type I IFNs to protect themselves from the disease. viral infection in mice.

The study established the critical role of lactate derived from glycolysis in limiting RLR signaling and identified MAVS as a direct lactate sensor, which works to link energy metabolism and immunity. innate, Lin said.

Type I interferons (IFNs), produced by almost all cell types, play a vital role in defending the host against viral infection and the immunosurveillance of cancers, Lin said. .

Lin's team plans to conduct additional studies on other animal models in preparation for potential clinical trials.