A recent study has revealed that T-cells, a type of white blood cells, exhibit enhanced functionality after a meal. These cells act like a vigilant army, targeting viruses, bacteria, and pre-cancerous cells in the body, according to Greg Delgoffe, an immunologist at the University of Pittsburgh and the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.
Published in the journal Nature in April, the research suggests that eating plays a crucial role in combating infections. The findings could potentially enhance immune therapies and assist in optimizing vaccination timing.
Delgoffe, a senior author of the study, likened the immune system’s reliance on nutrition to Napoleon’s famous quote that “an army marches on its stomach.” The study involved analyzing blood samples from 31 healthy volunteers twice in a day – first after an overnight fast and then six hours post-meal. The results showed that post-meal T-cells exhibited improved fat and sugar absorption and had more efficient energy-producing mitochondria.
Further experiments in mice revealed that fed mice produced more memory cells, a specialized T-cell subset that identifies previously encountered pathogens like viruses and bacteria. This enhanced cellular activity is vital when the body faces an external threat, such as an infection.
While acknowledging the study’s limitation in controlling participants’ diets, the researchers noted consistent post-meal effects on T-cells, with a balanced diet providing the most significant benefits. The study’s implications extend to cancer treatments, particularly chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T therapies, where well-nourished individuals showed better cancer control compared to those who fasted.
Russell Jones, a metabolism and nutritional programming expert at Van Andel Institute, emphasized the importance of a balanced diet in boosting the immune system and enhancing the efficacy of cancer treatments. The study underscores the intricate relationship between diet, metabolism, and immunity, with Jones highlighting the overarching message that a balanced diet is crucial for overall health, whether combating a common cold or battling cancer.