Harnessing HERVs: Biomarkers and therapeutic avenues in colorectal cancer

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs)—remnants of ancient viral infections—constitute a significant portion of the human genome. Although they are largely inactive, some retain intact sequences capable of producing retroviral proteins. In renal cell carcinoma, HERV-E expression predicts response to anti–PD-1 therapy, and unique HERV-E envelope peptides presented on the surface of renal cancer cells may offer tumor-restricted targets for T cell–based immunotherapy.Recent findings indicate that specific HERV env genes are differentially expressed in right- versus left-sided colorectal cancers, with expression levels correlating with tumor grade and patient age.This Research Topic aims to explore the historical context of HERV discovery and genomic integration, highlight breakthroughs in detection and quantification in cancer tissues, and discuss methods used to study expression patterns. It will also address ongoing debates about the role of HERVs in oncogenesis and their potential to modulate the immune microenvironment.This Research Topic explores the potential of HERVs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in colorectal cancer and other solid tumors, with a focus on differential expression by tumor sidedness and patient demographics. The effects of HERVs on the tumor microenvironment are likely complex, as cancer progression may be driven in part by the immunosuppressive functions of HERV-encoded envelope proteins. Conversely, HERV-derived peptides are promising candidates for tumor-targeted immunotherapy.Ultimately, this Research Topic aims to support research that could enable innovative immunotherapies that harness HERVs to enhance immune responses against colorectal cancer, aligning with the mission of advancing cancer immunity and immunotherapy.We encourage submission of manuscripts addressing the following themes:- Prognostic role of HERVs in colorectal cancer and other solid tumors- HERV expression profiles in colorectal cancer and other solid tumors- Interactions between HERVs and the tumor microenvironment- HERV-derived products as targets for immunotherapyWe welcome a range of manuscript types, including original research, systematic reviews, narrative reviews, and perspectives/commentaries, as appropriate.Please note that manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics or computational analyses of public genomic or transcriptomic databases, without robust and relevant validation (clinical cohort validation or biological validation in vitro or in vivo), are out of scope for this Research Topic. Topic editors: Marco Bregni, Serena Delbue, Tara Patricia Hurst, Fan ZHU Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77517/harnessing-hervs-biomarkers-and-therapeutic-avenues-in-colorectal-cancer