Innate immune driven evolution via immunostimulatory RNA: Viruses that mimic hosts, tumors that mimic viruses

While the innate immune system is a key player in detecting viruses and tumors, its role in their evolution is relatively understudied compared to protein evolution. I discuss theoretical approaches to understanding the effect of immunostimulatory RNA on genome evolution. I describe settings where it may drive a virus to mimic its host's genomic environment, along with possible exceptions. Surprisingly, in tumors innate activation is also an issue, both fundamentally and practically in terms of response to therapy. It is hoped that an increased theoretical understanding of these issues will lead to an appreciation of when innate immune stimulation is an evolutionary advantage or disadvantage for a tumor or pathogen - an understanding that should be exploitable therapeutically.