Arginine-Rich Diets Cut Colon Tumors in Mice, Easing Influenza and SARS-CoV-2
Updated
Updated · ScienceDaily · Aug 3
Arginine-Rich Diets Cut Colon Tumors in Mice, Easing Influenza and SARS-CoV-2
3 articles · Updated · ScienceDaily · Aug 3
Summary
Rockefeller researchers found mice fed more arginine developed fewer colon tumors and milder influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections, with post-infection arginine also improving flu outcomes.
Low arginine weakened immune surveillance by reducing MHC-1 production, a key protein that flags abnormal or infected cells for T-cell attack.
Cell experiments showed 414 proteins fell at low arginine levels, and ribosomes stalled while making MHC-1 because the protein requires multiple arginine sites.
A moderate arginine dose—roughly a couple of over-the-counter tablets—restored genes involved in MHC-1 production, pointing to a cheap supplement that could be tested alongside immunotherapies or in high-risk groups.
The Cell study suggests age-related and nutrition-linked arginine decline may help explain higher vulnerability to colon cancer and respiratory viruses.