Cytotoxic T lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells and antiviral macrophages can recognize and kill virus-infected cells. Helper T cells can recognize virus-infected cells and produce a number of important cytokines.
Killer T-cells or cytotoxic T-cells directly kill cells that have already been infected by a foreign invader.
Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic immune cells with an innate capacity for eliminating cancer cells and virus- infected cells. NK cells are critical effector cells in the immunosurveillance of cancer and viral infections.
Oncolytic viruses kill individual cancer cells, but studies also suggest that they can boost the immune system's ability to recognize and kill a tumor. The viruses enter tumor cells specifically and replicate, eventually breaking the cells apart.
An oncolytic virus is a virus that preferentially infects and kills cancer cells. As the infected cancer cells are destroyed by oncolysis, they release new infectious virus particles or virions to help destroy the remaining tumour.
Researchers know that there are several viruses that can lead to cancer. For example, the human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cervical and several other cancers. And hepatitis C can lead to liver cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Antiviral medications help the body fight off harmful viruses. The drugs can ease symptoms and shorten the length of a viral infection. Antivirals also lower the risk of getting or spreading viruses that cause herpes and HIV.
"Cancer-fighting foods"
The list is usually topped with berries, broccoli, tomatoes, walnuts, grapes and other vegetables, fruits and nuts. "If you look at the typical foods that reduce cancer risk, it's pretty much all plant foods that contain phytochemicals," says Wohlford.
Turmeric is a bright yellow spice commonly used in Indian cooking. It comes from a root or rhizome and its main ingredient is curcumin. Laboratory studies on cancer cells have found curcumin slows down their growth and some animal studies have also shown it to slow the growth and spread of cancers.
Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) are the cells that recognize and destroy cancer cells, and they're first activated in tumor-draining lymph nodes.
Natural killer (NK) cells become activated during viral infections and can play roles in such infections by attacking virus-infected cells or by regulating adaptive immune responses. Experimental models suggest that NK cells may also have the capacity to restrain virus-induced cancers.
The notorious spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, caused lung cancer cells to die in laboratory studies conducted by researchers at RUSH University Medical Center, who recently published their findings in the journal Cancers.
Upon activation and recruitment to the site of infection, NK cells employ three main strategies to kill virally infected cells: the production of cytokines, the secretion of cytolytic granules, and the use of death receptor-mediated cytolysis [8].
Cytotoxic effector cells that can destroy virus-infected cells include cytotoxic T cells, natural killer cells, and activated macrophages.
CURCUMIN (Turmeric)
It should be avoided during chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Curcumin has some estrogenic properties and should be avoided in breast cancer patients. Curcumin has shown to decrease platelet function, so it should be avoided by those on blood-thinning therapies.
Extensive research over the past two decades suggests that curcuminoids, the active ingredient in turmeric (C. longa), interfere with multiple cell signaling pathways, providing support for the potential role of curcumin in modulating cancer development and progression.
Antioxidant supplements such as co enzyme Q10, selenium and the vitamins A, C and E can help to prevent cell damage. But there is some evidence that taking high dose antioxidant supplements during cancer treatment might make the treatment less effective.
The high level of monounsaturated fats in avocados is also relevant for cancer prevention. Studies have found monounsaturated fats to be inversely related to risk of oral and pharyngeal cancers (14), pancreatic cancer (15), and bladder cancer (16).
Rest: When it comes to viral flu, nothing works like rest. So, give your work and travel rest and sleep. Sleep helps your body fight the virus and get better. Hydration: Load up on fluids.
The best antiviral herbs and supplements to boost immunity include NAC, lemon balm, garlic, and other remedies. Since ancient times, humans have used herbs and supplements to treat every conceivable illness.