Scientists have discovered that certain T-cells, a type of white blood cell, become more effective after a meal. These T-cells act as a microscopic defense force seeking out and eliminating viruses, bacteria, or precancerous cells in the body. According to Greg Delgoffe, an immunologist at the University of Pittsburgh and the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, the study, published in the journal Nature in April, highlights the significance of nutrition in combating infections. The research findings could aid in enhancing immune therapies and optimizing the timing of vaccinations.
Delgoffe, a senior author of the study, referenced Napoleon’s quote about armies marching on their stomachs to emphasize the importance of feeding the immune system. The study involved collecting blood samples from 31 healthy volunteers twice in a day: once in the morning after fasting overnight and then six hours after a meal. Results showed that post-meal T-cells exhibited improved uptake of fats and sugars, along with more efficient energy production in mitochondria, indicating the impact of a meal on cellular function.
In addition, experiments on mice demonstrated that fed mice generated more memory cells, a specialized subset of T-cells that recognize previously encountered pathogens. When a T-cell is triggered by a foreign invader, such as a virus, it undergoes rapid growth and division to multiply and combat the infection, which is metabolically taxing and contributes to the fatigue experienced during illnesses.
Despite the study not controlling participants’ diets, the post-meal effects on T-cells remained consistent, emphasizing the benefits of a balanced diet. The research also suggests potential implications for cancer treatments, particularly chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T therapies, which modify T-cell receptors to enhance cancer cell detection. The study indicated that CAR T-cells from individuals who had eaten were more effective in controlling cancer compared to those from fasting individuals.
Russell Jones, a metabolism and nutritional programming expert at Van Andel Institute, highlighted the study’s significance in understanding the interplay between diet, metabolism, and immunity, especially in the context of cancer. Jones emphasized the importance of a balanced diet for overall health, whether combating a cold or cancer.
