Nature: Meal timing may directly affect the efficiency of the immune system

A new study by American scientists has shown that the timing of food intake can directly affect the efficiency of the immune system—within just a few hours after eating.

The study, the results of which were published in the journal Nature, demonstrated that T cells obtained from people after eating worked significantly more actively and effectively than cells taken after prolonged fasting. These are key immune cells that help the body fight viruses, infections, and cancer.

The work was carried out by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh. Blood samples were taken from healthy volunteers in the morning on an empty stomach, and then again approximately six hours after eating. It turned out that “fed” T cells absorbed glucose more actively, accumulated more lipids, and had more powerful mitochondria—the cell’s energy stations. In addition, such cells produced significantly more immune signaling molecules, including interferon-gamma and TNF, which are essential for fighting infections.

Scientists were particularly surprised that the effect persisted for a long time. Even several days later, T cells obtained after eating continued to respond more strongly and rapidly than cells collected during fasting. In experiments on mice, such cells multiplied better, destroyed pathogens more effectively, and formed more stable immune memory.

As it turned out, fats circulating in the blood after a meal play a key role. After eating, the body forms special lipid particles—chylomicrons—which transport fats to cells.

These particles sharply enhanced the energy metabolism of T cells and activated the mTORC1 signaling pathway—one of the main cellular mechanisms responsible for growth and immune activation. Scientists emphasize that the effect was primarily associated with fats, rather than carbohydrates or proteins.

The study may also prove important for oncology. Scientists tested CAR-T therapy—one of the most advanced cancer treatments, in which a patient’s immune cells are modified to attack tumors. It turned out that CAR-T cells created from T cells collected after eating persisted longer and destroyed tumors more effectively in models of leukemia and melanoma.

At the same time, the authors stress that the study does not mean that food “cures” cancer or infections. However, it shows that the short-term metabolic state of the body can significantly influence immune function.

According to immunologist Greg Delgoffe, until now most studies have hardly taken into account whether a person had eaten before blood sampling or immunotherapy. Now scientists suggest that nutrition and meal timing may become important factors in vaccination, treatment of infections, and the production of cellular immune therapies.

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