Viruses can also "hide and seek"! According to studies, carcinogenic viruses evade the immune system and accelerate tumor growth!

The human immune system is a complex network of organs, cells and proteins that protect the body from viral infections and diseases

A team of researchers in Florida State University's Department of Biological Sciences and the Institute of Molecular Biophysics have discovered a mechanism used by cancer-causing viruses to evade immune system responses that typically trigger antiviral responses and viral suppression

Research background

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Approximately 8 million people die from cancer

"The human immune system is usually very effective at recognizing viral infections and subsequently initiating antiviral defenses," said Qian Yin, an assistant professor of biological sciences

cGAS (Cyclic GMP-AMP Synthase)

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cGAS (cyclic GMP-AMP synthase) is located in the cytoplasm, which can recognize the internal and external DNA of the cell to open the immune response, and is the "accelerator" of the immune system, which can strengthen the body's attack on tumors and pathogenic microorganisms

Research and development

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Several types of cancer caused by KSHV, most common in immunocompromised individuals: Kaposi sarcoma affects the lining of the blood and lymphatic vessels; Primary effusion lymphoma leads to the accumulation of fluid in the tissues of the inner wall of the chest and abdominal cavity; And a subset of multicenter Castleman's disease, a rare disease that causes overgrowth

In 2015, the study discovered a KSHV protein as the first viral inhibitor of cGAS, named KicGAS

Research implications

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The cGAS enzyme and the signals it transmits are essential not only for antiviral immunity, but also for tumor immunity

Bhowmik explains: "It is conceivable that if cGAS is activated and not evaded by the virus, KSHV cannot effectively infect the host because of cGAS-mediated antiviral immunity, thus preventing the development of