Researchers at the University of Chicago found that zeaxanthin also has the ability to strengthen the cancer fighting activity of immune cells.
Zeaxanthin is a little-known plant-derived nutrient best known for protecting vision, but new research shows it also provides additional benefits. Researchers at the University of Chicago found that zeaxanthin also has the ability to strengthen the cancer fighting activity of immune cells.
Zeaxanthin is a carotenoid found in vegetables like kale, spinach, broccoli and collard greens, as well as fruits such as oranges, kiwi, mangoes and grapes. Scientists are hopeful it can be used to improve the effectiveness of cancer treatments.
"We were surprised to find that zeaxanthin, already known for its role in eye health, has a completely new function in boosting anti-tumor immunity," said Jing Chen, Ph.D., senior author of the study. "Our study shows that a simple dietary nutrient could complement and strengthen advanced cancer treatments like immunotherapy."
This study is a continuation of the work Chen has been doing to better understand how nutrients affect the immune system. He looked at a large body of data and identified zeaxanthin as a compound that enhances the activity of a certain type of immune cell called CD8+ T cells.
Scientists say these immune cells rely on a T-cell receptor (TCR) to recognize and kill tumor cells. Evidence shows zeaxanthin strengthens the formation of TCR complex on CD8+ T cells when they interact with cancer cells. In turn, this boosts T-cell activation, cytokine production and tumor-killing capacity.
When combined with a type of immunotherapy called immune checkpoint inhibitors, zeaxanthin was able to significantly enhance the anti-tumor effects when compared to immunotherapy alone in a laboratory setting
"Our data show that zeaxanthin improves both natural and engineered T-cell responses, which suggests high translational potential for patients undergoing immunotherapies," Chen said.
The importance of a balanced diet in overall health was confirmed in a previous study when Chen and his team found that a fatty acid from meat and dairy consumption that was able to boost T-cell response through a different mechanism.
While more work need to be done in terms of clinical trials, Chen is hopeful zeaxanthin and other supplements may be found helpful in improving the outcomes for cancer patients.
"Our findings open a new field of nutritional immunology that looks at how specific dietary components interact with the immune system at the molecular level," Chen said. "With more research, we may discover natural compounds that make today's cancer therapies more effective and accessible."
Click here to read more in the journal Cell Reports Medicine.
