Blocking LSD1 could activate cancer immune response via HERV

A Harvard Medical School team led by immunology and pathology professor Arlene Sharpe has shown inhibiting lysine-specific demethylase (LSD1; KDM1A) increases human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) transcription to activate an immune response that could help treat tumors.

While at least six companies have LSD1 inhibitors in clinical testing for cancer, the study uncovers the epigenetic regulator's mechanism in mediating antitumor immunity, and suggests the strategy could be combined with checkpoint inhibitors to overcome immunosuppressive resistance and improve responses...