Researchers from Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and University College Dublin (UCD) have discovered that a food supplement derived from yeast can enhance the production of stronger immune cells that combat cancer. This finding is particularly significant for obese individuals, as excess weight often weakens the immune response against tumors.
The study, led by Associate Professor Frederick J. Sheedy and Professor Helen Roche, demonstrated that incorporating a yeast-based supplement into the diets of obese mice led to improved immune cell function. They noted that the yeast supplement has the potential to serve as a safe, natural method for boosting the immune system’s ability to fight cancer.
The research involved feeding mice a standard or high-fat diet supplemented with yeast beta-glucan for 4-12 weeks before challenging their immune systems with various types of cancer cells. Notably, the findings indicated that the supplement could mitigate immune dysfunction caused by obesity and maintain protective effects even after weight loss.
Professor Roche emphasized that this is the first research showing that dietary yeast beta-glucan can program bone marrow stem cells to enhance anti-tumor immune responses. This breakthrough could address long-standing issues with immunity in obese patients even after they lose weight, which is crucial given the global obesity epidemic and its link to increased cancer risk.
Looking ahead, the researchers believe this yeast supplement could lead to dietary intervention studies for immunocompromised individuals and have potential applications in cancer treatment alongside therapies like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The yeast beta-glucan used in the study is commercially available, which could accelerate clinical trials aimed at restoring immune function.
