Low arginine levels may weaken immune response to cancer, study finds
Research in mice suggests low levels of the amino acid arginine may reduce immune system effectiveness against cancer and viruses, with dietary supplementation showing potential benefits.
The short version
A study in mice found that low levels of the amino acid arginine may allow cancer cells and viruses to evade the immune system. Dietary supplementation with arginine reduced tumor growth and viral severity in the study.
Researchers reported that low levels of the amino acid arginine may allow cancer cells and viruses to evade the immune system by reducing production of a crucial cellular warning protein.1 The study found that arginine-rich diets in mice led to fewer colon tumors and milder viral infections compared to control groups.1 The research suggests that arginine supplementation could have therapeutic potential for improving immune response against cancer and viruses.1
A separate report noted that low arginine levels may let cancer and viruses evade the immune system, describing it as a potential target for intervention.2
Why it matters
Arginine is an amino acid that plays a role in immune function and protein production, and is commonly found in foods like meat, dairy, and nuts.1
This account was written from the 2 reports listed below, filed by 2 independent outlets, and checked against them line by line. It is not a copy of any one of them. Spotted an error? Tell us.
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