Research has shown that cancer-fighting viruses can strengthen the body’s immune response. This conclusion was reached by scientists from the University of Texas.
Can the virus help the body fight cancer and strengthen the immune system? A new study suggests that the body’s immunity against cancer can be enhanced with the help of so-called oncolytic viruses. These are viruses that selectively affect cancer cells and kill them without affecting normal cells. The study notes that these viruses also increase the ability of the immune system to recognize and destroy tumors.
Scientists have long theoretically discussed the possibilities of oncolytic virology, and specific research in this area began only in the 1960s. Recently, several experiments have been conducted in which various viruses have been used to treat cancer. And now a myxomavirus was being tested in the experiment. It was found that the cells infected with it lead to the death of cancer cells.
An unexpected synergy was found between cells and myxomaviruses in enhancing the autosis of individual tumor cells, which has a beneficial effect on ridding the body of cancer. Autosis is a form of cell destruction that is very useful for solid tumors that are considered resistant to treatment. Myxomavirus can target and kill cancer cells directly, but using virus-equipped T cells was more effective because they also destroyed cancer cells in close proximity to the target cells. The so-called process of “killing witnesses” took place.
