Students' Research Circle    
 
 
» 2023
Call for papers
The conference
Veterinary Session
Veterinary Jury
Biology Session
Sponsors
Awards-list
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
Home » Archive » 2023

TDK conference 2023

Manipulation of innate immune response with viral RNA & DNA
Commins Katie Teresa - year 6
University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Supervisors: Dr. Lőrincz Márta, Gulyás Dominik Ádám

Abstract:

Nowadays, immuno-oncotherapy is an innovative treatment for tumours. Exploiting the therapeutic potential of tumour-specific antibodies, the cellular effector 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 I (RIG - I), while parvovirus hairpin activates nucleotide-pair oligomerisation action domain receptors, the NOD-like receptors ( NRLS ). The activation of RIG - I and NRLS - in any of its different forms - inhibits the formation of tumours.

In our experiment, we examined the effect of the nucleic acid of these viruses on tumours. Renal adenocarcinoma was implanted subcutaneously in BALB/C mice, and then an intratumoral vaccine treatment was applied to the animals. Group 1 received purified influenza RNA and an anti-OX40 adjuvant. Group 2 individuals received purified parvovirus DNA and an anti-OX40 adjuvant as treatment. Mice were monitored daily, taking note of the median survival time and the change in the mean primary tumour over time. We also took blood for the examination of cytokine levels. The metastases of the primary tumour were followed by histological examinations. We compared our results with a group of untreated tumour (control) mice ( Group 3 ).

Our results showed that Group 1 was significantly more promising than Group 2. The group treated with influenza virus RNA achieved a significantly higher median survival time than the other two groups, and the tumour sizes were significantly smaller. Although lung metastases could be detected in all three groups, the lowest occurrence rate was observed in Group 1. No significant changes in cytokine levels were observed comparing the three groups.

Based on the generated data, we can establish that our treatments provide an effective basis for future research. Through modification of composition and adjustments in treatment frequency, there exists the potential for further enhancement of efficacy.



List of lectures