Source: Science daily
In an ironic twist of science, researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered that a herpes virus—typically seen as a harmful pathogen—could hold the key to supercharging the immune system’s fight against cancer.
The study, led by Dr. Adam Courtney and first-authored by Ph.D. candidate Yating Zheng, reveals how a protein from herpesvirus saimiri (a virus that infects squirrel monkeys) can be repurposed to enhance T-cell function, overcoming one of immunotherapy’s biggest challenges: the tumor’s ability to suppress immune cells.
This breakthrough, published in a recent study, suggests a new way to boost CAR-T therapy and other immunotherapies by borrowing strategies from viruses that have spent millions of years hijacking human cells.
How a Monkey Virus Could Revolutionize Cancer Treatment
T cells are the immune system’s elite soldiers, trained to hunt and destroy infected or cancerous cells. Therapies like CAR-T cell therapy genetically modify these cells to better target cancers, but they often struggle inside hostile tumor environments, where:
- T cells become exhausted
- Tumor cells release immunosuppressive signals
- Therapies lose effectiveness over time
Scientists have long searched for ways to keep T cells active and functional within tumors. Now, the herpesvirus saimiri might provide a solution. Herpesvirus saimiri has a unique ability to manipulate T cells in squirrel monkeys, allowing it to evade immune detection and persist indefinitely. The Michigan team wondered:
“Could we steal this virus’s tricks to help human T cells survive and thrive inside tumors?”
The researchers focused on a viral protein called tyrosine kinase-interacting protein (Tip), which naturally hijacks T-cell signaling pathways to promote viral survival. By engineering a modified version of Tip, they found it could:
- Bind to LCK (a critical T-cell kinase)
- Activate STAT5 (a transcription factor that boosts T-cell survival and function)
- Sustain T-cell activity even in immunosuppressive tumors
Proven Effective in Melanoma & Lymphoma Models
In mouse studies, T cells enhanced with the engineered viral protein showed:
- Stronger anti-tumor responses
- Longer survival inside tumors
- Better resistance to exhaustion
This suggests that direct STAT5 activation—triggered by the viral protein—could make existing immunotherapies more potent.
Why This Approach Is a Game-Changer
This study proves that sometimes, the best medical breakthroughs come from nature’s most cunning invaders. By learning from viruses, scientists are unlocking new ways to empower the immune system against cancer.
1. Borrowing Evolution’s Best Tricks
Viruses like herpes have spent millions of years perfecting ways to control human cells. By repurposing their strategies, scientists can fast-track new therapies.
2. A Potential Boost for CAR-T and Other Immunotherapies
Current CAR-T therapies often fade over time as T cells tire out. Adding this viral protein could make them more durable.
3. A New Path Beyond Cytokines
Previous attempts to strengthen T cells relied on cytokines like IL-2, which can cause severe side effects. This method offers a more targeted, controlled approach
As research progresses, we may see herpes-based enhancements for CAR-T therapy and other treatments, offering hope for longer-lasting, more effective cancer cures.