Dietary arginine may boost immune detection of tumors and viral infections
Researchers found that increasing arginine intake restores a key immune protein, reducing colon tumors in mice and easing viral disease severity.
Work led by Sohail Tavazoie’s laboratory at Rockefeller University shows that arginine scarcity hampers synthesis of MHC-1, diminishing the immune system’s ability to recognize cancerous or virus-infected cells. In cell studies, ribosomes stalled on MHC-1 when arginine was limited, reducing surface signals to T cells. Mice fed an arginine-rich diet developed fewer colon tumors and experienced milder disease when infected with influenza or SARS-CoV-2, even when supplementation began after infection.
The researchers estimate that a dose comparable to a few over-the-counter tablets can restore MHC-1 gene expression. They propose rapid clinical trials of arginine supplementation for patients receiving immunotherapy or at high risk of viral exposure. Funding came from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Institute for Global Infectious Disease Research and the Weill Cancer East Hub.
Why it matters
A cheap, readily available supplement could enhance immune defenses against cancer and viral diseases.
In this story