Visiting Professor at IPB University, Copenhagen University Researcher Exposes HERVs Potential in Cancer Treatment
Researcher from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, Prof Peter J Holst revealed that the Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) protein can be used as an alternative cancer treatment. It was delivered in the Visiting Professor activity in Satari Hall, Faculty of Medicine, IPB University, IPB Dramaga Campus (27/5).
Prof Peter explained that the human genome contains HERVs protein, a remnant of ancient viral infections. He revealed that HERVs are usually inactive in healthy cells, but are activated by aging and cancer.
“HERVs evade the immune system because they are considered part of the body itself until disease develops. This opens up new opportunities in extending life and treating cancer,” he said.
Furthermore, Prof Peter said HERVs make up about 8 per cent of human deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and are inactive in normal tissues, but overexpressed in tumour cells.
He said research and technology development in the field of HERVs offer great untapped opportunities to improve human health and longevity.
“Research in this area can enrich our knowledge of HERVs and their potential in medical therapy, particularly for diseases associated with aging and cancer,” Prof Peter said.
Chief of the Primate Study Centre of IPB University, Dr Huda S Darusman expressed his gratitude to Prof Peter J Holst for giving a presentation on the development of research on biotechnology and vaccine development.
Meanwhile, Secretary of the International Research Institute of Advanced Technology of IPB University, Dr Wisnu Ananta said the discussion in this topic was interesting to explore new and innovative approaches to crucial global health challenges.
“We also have several research centres that focus on biotechnology. I hope through this activity we can all understand the importance of biotechnology research to public health,” he said.
In this event, the Chief of Microbiology and Immunology Laboratory Program, Centre for Primate Animal Studies of IPB University, Dr Silmi Mariya had the opportunity to convey the results of her research on molecular identification of genital papilloma virus in two species of macaca fascicularis and macaca nemestrina. (dr/Rz) (IAAS/RUM)
