‘RIG’-ING TUMOR BLOOD VESSELS: RIG-1 TREATMENT ON PROLIFERATING, SENESCENT, AND QUIESCENT ENDOTHELIAL CELLS

Abstract

The complex nature of a tumor is derived from its composition of both normal and malignant cells. Selectively targeting the malignant cells while healthy tissues are preserved is the primary objective of many cancer therapies. RIG-1 is an RNA-sensing protein that causes inflammation to induce cell-programmed death. It can become activated by RNA from different viruses and the cell’s own RNA to protect against cell damage. Our research attempts to use this molecule as a treatment method in conjunction with other existing cancer treatments, like radiation, while utilizing different cell stages to kill tumor blood vessels. We hope to use this molecule to build the immune system’s ability to differentiate between normal and cancer cells. If we can target the tumor blood vessels, we could potentially make other cancer treatments more effective by starving solid tumors while protecting the surrounding healthy tissue.