Researchers have discovered that certain T-cells, a type of white blood cell, become more effective after a meal. These T-cells act as a small army in the body, seeking out and eliminating viruses, bacteria, or precancerous cells. The study, published in the journal Nature in April, indicates that eating plays a crucial role in combating infections, potentially aiding immune therapies and optimizing vaccination timing.
Greg Delgoffe, an immunologist at the University of Pittsburgh and the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, likened the immune system’s reliance on nutrition to Napoleon’s famous quote that “an army marches on its stomach.” By feeding the immune system, researchers observed enhanced T-cell functionality.
In a study involving 31 healthy volunteers, blood samples were collected before and after a meal. Following food intake, T-cells showed improved fat and sugar absorption and increased energy production in mitochondria, demonstrating the impact of meals on cell performance. Additionally, fed mice generated more memory cells, a specialized T-cell subset recognizing previously encountered pathogens.
Activation of T-cells in response to foreign invaders requires rapid cell division to combat infections, which is metabolically demanding and contributes to fatigue during illnesses. Despite the study’s limitation of uncontrolled diets, consistent post-meal effects on T-cells were observed, emphasizing the benefits of a balanced diet.
The research suggests that nutrition may enhance cancer treatments such as CAR-T therapies, which modify T-cell receptors to target cancer cells effectively. CAR T-cells derived from individuals who had eaten exhibited better cancer control compared to those from fasting individuals. These insights open avenues for developing diet plans to bolster the immune system and enhance existing cancer therapies.
Russell Jones, a metabolism and nutritional programming expert at the Van Andel Institute, emphasized the crucial role of balanced nutrition in health, whether combating colds or cancer. The study underscores the intricate relationship between diet, metabolism, and immunity, particularly in cancer treatment contexts. Jones highlighted the importance of a balanced diet in supporting overall health outcomes.