Guangzhou, June 2025 — A research team led by Professor Hengyou Weng from Guangzhou Laboratory has published a review article in Cell Investigation titled "Endogenous Double-Stranded RNA: A Bridge Between Immune Activation and Cancer Therapeutics." The article delves into the mechanisms of endogenous double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) generation, its role in immune activation, and its potential in cancer immunotherapy.
Although double-stranded RNA was traditionally thought to be associated only with viral infections, recent studies have shown that endogenous double-stranded RNA can also be generated during physiological processes. Double-stranded RNA has inherent immunogenicity, and cells have evolved a series of mechanisms to prevent its accumulation, thereby preventing the initiation of interferon responses. However, increased production and sensing of double-stranded RNA may provide new strategies for anti-tumor therapies by activating robust immune responses against tumors.
The article discusses the different sources of endogenous double-stranded RNA, including transposable elements, natural antisense transcripts, and mitochondrial transcripts. The research team explores how these endogenous RNAs activate pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) inside the cell, thereby initiating interferon responses. Moreover, the article discusses how manipulating the expression of these endogenous double-stranded RNAs could open up new therapeutic avenues for cancer treatment.
This study not only deepens our understanding of the role of double-stranded RNA in tumor immune responses but also provides new insights and targets for cancer immunotherapy. The research suggests that regulating the production of endogenous double-stranded RNA, particularly through modulating transposable elements (such as Alu and LINE1) and endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), could lead to breakthrough advancements in cancer treatment.
For more details, please read the full article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S3050538025000122