What is it about?
This study shows for the first time that the Wuhan strain of SARS-CoV-2 and its S protein activate the ability of the infected cells to escape immune attack. Interestingly, the biochemical networks activated are similar to those operated by human cancer cells (Cancer cells and malignant tumours are capable of suppressing the activities of immune cells acting against them. To do this, cancer cells use specific biochemical mechanisms). Importantly, our work showed that the effects we observed mainly have intracellular origin, which means they are taking place when the virus or its S protein are acting inside the cell. These results mean that SARS-CoV-2 infection (Wuhan strain) may support ongoing malignant processes in the tissues upon infection with the virus and its replication inside the cells. Further research needs to be done to see if these effects are also applicable to other SARS-CoV-2 strains (other than Wuhan).
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Why is it important?
Our work suggests potentially new therapeutic targets to be researched for managing COVID-19 symptoms to prevent immune evasion. In addition, our work can be seen as another highlight of the importance of timely vaccination in order to neutralise the virus and prevent it from infecting human cells where it could trigger activation of immune evasion machinery similar to the one operated by cancer cells. This work may open a new chapter in understanding cross-links between viral infections and cancer progression which requires further detailed research.
Perspectives
Medway School of Pharmacy led study from PIs Vadim Sumbayev, Romina Vuono and Nigel Temperton. Collaborative research project conducted by an interdisciplinary team of biomedical scientists including PhD students and post-doctoral scientists. Great consortium involving the DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany, Division of Personalized Medical Oncology (A420), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany, Department of Personalized Oncology, University Hospital Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital, Inselspital Bern, University of Bern and Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Professor Nigel James Temperton
University of Kent
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Wuhan strain of SARS-CoV-2 triggers activation of immune evasion machinery similar to the one operated by cancer cells, Frontiers in Immunology, June 2025, Frontiers,
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1599352.
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