🧬 Ancient viruses left traces in our DNA that may now help us fight cancer! 💪 Scientists at the Francis Crick Institute discovered how these viral remnants, or ERVs, can enhance immunotherapy and potentially extend survival rates.
Millions of years ago, our ancestors, like us today, had to contend with viruses. No doubt the infections were unpleasant for them at the time, but their suffering wasn’t for naught — some of those viruses left traces in our DNA.
“Cancer is a disease of the DNA,” he says, “and there are no parasites of our DNA that have been more successful than endogenous retroviruses.”A retrovirus, first of all, is a virus that inserts a copy of its own DNA into the genome of its host. retroviruses are the relics of those ancient illnesses — DNA sequences our ancestors acquired when viruses infected them and changed their genetic makeup.
This research points to the possibility of using a vaccine, composed of active ERV genes, to stimulate antibody production at the tumor site and help more people overcome lung cancer. In their study, the researchers found that the antibody response against ERVs extended survival in mice.
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