We delved into how vitamin C might influence cancer treatment, focusing on its effects on the immune system. Our findings revealed that vitamin C directly modifies certain proteins, leading to a new type of protein change called vitcylation. This process specifically affects a protein known as STAT1.
By modifying STAT1, vitamin C enhances its ability to signal for immune responses. We found that this modification occurs in both controlled environments and living cells, depending on factors like dosage and acidity. As a result of vitcylation, the action of STAT1 is improved, which activates important immune responses in tumor cells and boosts the expression of molecules that help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
Interestingly, this research sheds light on the potential of vitamin C as a treatment that not only affects cancer directly but also empowers the body’s own defenses. These insights pave the way for new approaches to cancer therapy that leverage the immune system in conjunction with vitamin C.