Scientists say million-year-old viruses help fight cancer

Relics of ancient viruses that have spent millions of years hiding inside human DNA, help the body fight cancer say scientists.

The study undertaken by the Francis Crick Institute showed the dormant remnants of these viruses are woken when cancerous cells spiral out of control, unintentionally helping the immune system target and attack the tumour.

The team are now working on ways to harness the discovery to design vaccines that can boost cancer treatment, or even prevent it.

The researchers had noticed a connection between better survival from lung cancer and a part of the immune system called B-cells, clustering around tumours.  B-cells are the part of our body that manufactures antibodies and are better known for their role in fighting off infections, such as Covid.

Dr Claire Bottomley from Cancer Research UK, said “All of us have ancient viral DNA in our genes, passed down from our ancestors, and this fascinating research has highlighted the role it plays in cancer and how our immune system can recognise and destroy cancer cells.

She added that “more research” was needed to develop a cancer vaccine, but “nevertheless, this study adds to the growing body of research that could one day see this innovative approach to cancer treatment become a reality.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (jacquelinevance@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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