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Activating Tumour-Fighting Immune Cells
A nutrient found in beef and milk, known as trans-vaccenic acid (TVA), has shown potential in targeting various types of cancer by activating tumour-fighting immune cells. TVA, a long-chain fatty acid found in the meat and dairy products of grazing ruminants, has demonstrated the ability to promote the destruction of certain types of cancer cells in laboratory and animal studies.
Research and Findings
A series of studies conducted by researchers have revealed that individuals with higher levels of TVA in their blood, particularly those with lymphoma cancer, tend to respond better to immunotherapy. Further studies also indicate that TVA can support or enhance the activation of certain T-cells, a type of immune cell involved in the body’s response to cancer. This suggests that TVA could be a valuable supplement to existing cancer treatments.
The Role of TVA
While humans only break down about 20 percent of TVA when consumed, recent findings suggest that the remaining 80 percent may have an immune function. Experimentation with mouse models has shown that a diet enriched with TVA led to significantly reduced tumour growth in mice with skin cancer and colon cancer, indicating its potential in promoting anti-tumour immune activity.
Impact on Immunity
TVA has been found to specifically promote the anti-tumour activity of CD8+ T-cells, a critical group of immune cells involved in killing cancerous cells. This is achieved by inactivating a particular receptor on the targeted immune cells’ surfaces, leading to a profound physiological response at the whole organism level.
Implications and Future Research
These findings support the potential use of TVA to enhance T-cell-based immunotherapies. However, it is important to note that excessive consumption of meat or dairy for the purpose of acquiring the fatty acid is not recommended, as high red meat intake has been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer. The researchers suggest that taking supplements with enriched bioactive nutrients may be a more efficient approach than consuming large quantities of meat or dairy.
