Translational relevance of STING pathway and viral infection in FL
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Translational relevance of the Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) pathway and viral infection in follicular lymphoma (FL)
IRAS ID
328902
Contact name
Lekh N. Dahal
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Follicular lymphoma (FL) is a type of blood cancer that arises from the cells of the immune system and is considered incurable. Current treatments include suppressing the immune system that could result in reactivation of viruses that have been dormant. We are constantly exposed to viruses that can infect many body systems but are kept dormant for years. Such dormant viruses can reactivate in patients undergoing immunosuppressive treatments. For example, human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infects ~40-100% of global human population without causing any symptoms. However, some patients with FL treated with standard chemo-immunotherapy can develop CMV infections. Within the immune system are specialised pathways that combat and neutralise viral infections - one such mechanism is the Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING), so called because it can stimulate production of molecules called type-I Interferons that protects us from viral infections. Many anti-cancer agents are only fully efficient in the presence of intact type-I Interferon function. However, very little is known about the relevance of the STING virus sensing mechanism in the context of lymphoma treatments. We seek to understand how this mechanism is involved in the regulation of viral infection in FL. Additionally, we will investigate if CMV uses this system to shield itself from immune attack. Understanding how the STING pathway regulates CMV infection in FL lymphoma will help to harness the immune system to fight tumours and to develop strategies to combat viral reactivation This should help us to identify patients with a particular risk of viral reactivation and to translate potential strategies for prevention and treatment.
REC name
South Central - Oxford C Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/SC/0285
Date of REC Opinion
11 Aug 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion