Viral Mimicry by Repeats Mediates Evolutionary Trade-Offs in Cancer-Immune Coevolution

Cancer Discovery 2026

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Authors: Siyu Sun, Benjamin D. Greenbaum
DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-25-2187
Cited by: 1
References: 20

Abstract

During cancer evolution, derepressed repetitive elements (REs) can trigger innate immune responses via "viral mimicry," imposing selective immune pressure on emerging tumor cells. We propose that RE mimics mediate transitions from initial antitumorigenic immune selection to a tolerized equilibrium shaped by trade-offs that can ultimately be predicted and exploited therapeutically. See related article by Chiappinelli and Burns, p. 1494.

Fields of Study & Subjects

interferon and immune responses CRISPR and Genetic Engineering Immunotherapy and Immune Responses

Publication details

Journal / source
Cancer Discovery
Publisher
American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
Volume
16
Issue
8
Pages
1489–1493
Publication date
17 April 2026
Language
EN