Using low molecular weight substances to manipulate the innate immune response Manipulation of innate immune response with viral RNA & DNA

Abstract

Nowadays, immuno-oncotherapy is an innovative treatment for tumours. The exploitation of the therapeutic potential of tumour-specific antibodies, along with the manipulation of cellular mechanisms of the immune system, prove to be the most important direction. The application of nucleic acid vaccines is intended to intervene in the latter form. Negative, single-stranded RNA of the influenza virus and the single-stranded, hairpin DNA of the parvovirus act as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), which are connected to the body's toll-like receptors (TLRs). Innate immunity is activated, while the treatment also indirectly stimulates the adaptive immune system, thus providing invaluable anti-tumour protection. Influenza virus RNA also results in the activation of retinoic acid inducible gene 1 (RIG-1), while parvovirus hairpin activates nucleotide-pair oligomerisation action domain receptors, the NOD-like receptors (NRLS). The activation of RIG1 and NRLS - in any of its different forms - inhibits the formation of tumours.