An international team of scientists led by the University of Queensland showed that the proportion of certain types of fats Diet directly influences the immune system’s ability to fight infections and cancer.
The study, published in Naturerevealed that adjusting the consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and monounsaturated (MUFAs) modifies the strength and survival of T lymphocytes, cells essential for the body’s defense.
Experiments suggest that a proper diet could improve the effectiveness of vaccines and tumor therapies, although there is still no consensus on the ideal ratio of these lipids.
The research carried out by the University of Queensland (UQ)in collaboration with institutions in Australia and China, identified that the type of fat consumed daily changes the internal lipid composition of T lymphocytes.
These cells, essential in the immune response, can become more or less resistant to aainfectious people and cancer cells depending on the type of lipids they receive through the diet.
“The type of fats consumed transforms the interior of T lymphocytes and can make them stronger or weaker in their immune protective function.”he explained Di Yudirector of the scientific team and reference of the Frazer Institute from UQ. The finding represents a new perspective on how daily nutrition can directly impact health at the cellular level.
The study suggests that a diet with less PUFAs and more MUFAs promotes the survival and effectiveness of T lymphocytes.
The PUFAs They are mainly found in fatty fish and soybeans, while MUFAs predominate in the olive oil and avocado. This balance modifies the ability of lymphocytes to resist cell death associated with the accumulation of oxidized fats in their outer membrane.
According to data from the University of Queenslandwhen the ratio of PUFAs to MUFAs is reduced, immune cells can avoid oxidation-induced death.
“When T lymphocytes manage to avoid death caused by fat oxidation, certain subtypes such as follicular helper T cells improve their ability to help the body produce antibodies.“, he detailed Yu. This improvement could translate into a greater response to vaccines and more robust protection against infections and tumors.
The published results show that modifying the diet can enhance the effect of vaccines and oncological treatments. The experimental team observed that T lymphocytes strengthened by an adequate diet can multiply better and attack tumor cells more effectively.
“Optimizing the patient’s diet and targeting lipid metabolism could be a simple way to strengthen immunity“, held Yu.
The specialist stressed that it remains to determine the optimal balance between PUFAs and MUFAs to obtain the greatest immunological benefit. For now, the research provides a solid basis for considering diet as a key complement to medical treatments.
The work was developed together with Gallipoli Medical Researchhe QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute and universities like Qilu University of Technology and the Huazhong University of Science and Technology.
Scientists believe that the ability to boost the immune system through dietary adjustments represents an accessible opportunity to complement both vaccines and cancer therapies.
“Diet could become an accessible tool to enhance the effectiveness of vaccines and oncological therapies”he concluded Yu.
For now, researchers advise reviewing the quality and proportion of fats consumed daily, while studies continue to define the ideal balance that optimizes immune protection.
