In a recent study published in the journal Nature, scientists discovered that T-cells, a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections, become more effective after a meal. Greg Delgoffe, an immunologist at the University of Pittsburgh and the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, explained that T-cells act like a vigilant army, seeking out and eliminating viruses, bacteria, and precancerous cells in the body. This finding underscores the importance of nutrition in combating infections and may aid in enhancing immune therapies and optimizing vaccination timing.
The study involved collecting blood samples from 31 healthy participants twice in a day: once in the morning after fasting overnight and later in the day after a meal. Results showed that post-meal T-cells exhibited enhanced uptake of fats and sugars, along with improved energy production in mitochondria, demonstrating the impact of eating on immune cell function. Additionally, experiments on mice revealed that fed mice generated more memory cells, a specialized T-cell subset recognizing previously encountered pathogens like viruses and bacteria.
Delgoffe highlighted that when T-cells are activated by foreign invaders, such as viruses or bacteria, they undergo rapid growth and division to form a defense force throughout the body, resulting in increased metabolic demands and fatigue during illness. Although the study did not regulate participants’ diets, the consistent post-meal effects on T-cells emphasized the benefits of a balanced diet in boosting immune responses.
Moreover, the study’s implications extend to cancer treatments, particularly chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T therapies, which modify T-cell receptors to enhance cancer detection. The research indicated that CAR T-cells from individuals who had eaten were more effective in controlling cancer compared to those from fasting individuals. The potential to develop dietary strategies to enhance immune function and improve cancer therapies was noted by Russell Jones, a metabolism and nutritional programming expert at the Van Andel Institute, who was not involved in the study.
Jones emphasized the interconnectedness of diet, metabolism, and immunity, especially concerning cancer treatment outcomes. Overall, the study underscores the significance of maintaining a balanced diet for overall health, whether combating common illnesses or cancer.
