Posted in Immune system

Zinc's immune-boosting properties are well-established, but scientists haven't known exactly how it works. In a new study published online March 25 in the journal Blood, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center scientists reveal two ways the mineral supports immunity and suggest how it could be used to improve health. Using mice, the team discovered that zinc is needed for the development of disease-fighting immune cells called T cells and prompts regeneration of the thymus, ...

The immune system has cells stationed all over the body, and they're actually doing their business even if you're fit as a fiddle. This is shown in a new study published in the scientific journal Cell Metabolism. Until recently, they believed that the immune system was mostly dormant unless the body was under attack in connection with infections. However, it now turns out that the immune system most likely also plays an important role for perfectly healthy people and can affect ...

The stress-related hormone cortisol is of central importance as a biomarker of mental health and has significant downstream effects on physical function. Most cells and organs in the body possess receptors for glucocorticoid hormones, including cortisol. Glucocorticoids are known to cross the blood-brain barrier, and impact behaviour through limbic influence. Glucocorticoids are also key regulators of immunity and the inflammatory response, and cortisol levels influence energy metabolism, app...

Secretory IgA (sIgA) is a biomarker that may reflect the impact of stress on the immune system as well as the resilience of the immune response. Secretory IgA is synthesized by activated B cells along mucosal membranes in the oral cavity, nasal passages, ocular surfaces, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, and the genitourinary tract. Since these mucosal surfaces are exposed to the outside world, sIgA is considered to be an important part of the first line of immune defence against th...

Omega-3 fatty acids like EPA, DHA, and DPA have demonstrated many direct benefits to immune, cardiovascular, and neurocognitive health. Their nutritional influence extends further, however, through the actions of their specialised pro-resolving mediator (SPM/PRM) metabolites. SPMs/PRMs directly alter cell functions and cell-to-cell interactions, yet further regulate immunometabolic activity at the level of gene expression. SPMs/PRMs represent a high level of immune control that largely depends o...

Every minute of every day, the body’s immune system is engaged in a microscopic battle – seeking out and destroying the abnormal cells, bacteria and viruses that cause infections and disease, including cancer. Each immune cell is a tiny warrior that is constantly working to keep the human body healthy. But sometimes, particularly when the enemy is cancer, the immune cells need a little help. With recent advancements in the field of immunotherapy, doctors can now offer some patie...