Arginine Could Reinforce Immune Alarm Signals in Cancer and Viral Infections

Arginine deficiency weakens immune surveillance by lowering MHC-1 production, and a modest dietary boost could restore this immune signal. In cell culture and mouse studies of colon cancer and viral infections (influenza and SARS-CoV-2), higher arginine reduced tumors and improved outcomes, hinting that arginine supplementation might complement immunotherapies or help at-risk groups. Since arginine levels decline with age and poor nutrition, this could partly explain increased cancer and infection vulnerability.