Washington, D.C. [US], April 10 (ANI): Researchers at the University of Chicago have identified a new potential role for zeaxanthin, a plant-based compound commonly known for supporting eye health, suggesting it may also enhance the immune system’s ability to fight cancer.
According to findings published in Cell Reports Medicine, zeaxanthin may improve the activity of key immune cells involved in targeting and destroying tumors, potentially strengthening the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies.
“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, PhD, Janet Davison Rowley Distinguished Service Professor of Medicine and senior author of the study.
“Our study shows that a simple dietary nutrient could complement and strengthen advanced cancer treatments like immunotherapy,” Chen added.
The study found that zeaxanthin enhances the performance of CD8+ T cells, a type of immune cell responsible for identifying and killing cancer cells. Researchers observed that the compound stabilizes the T-cell receptor complex, strengthening internal signaling and increasing immune activation.
This leads to improved cytokine production and a greater ability of T cells to destroy tumor cells.
In mouse models, zeaxanthin supplementation slowed tumor growth. The effect was even stronger when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors, a widely used form of cancer immunotherapy.
Laboratory tests on human-engineered T cells also showed improved cancer-killing ability against melanoma, multiple myeloma, and glioblastoma cells.
“Our data show that zeaxanthin improves both natural and engineered T-cell responses, which suggests high translational potential for patients undergoing immunotherapies,” Chen said.
Zeaxanthin is already available as an over-the-counter supplement and is found naturally in foods such as spinach, kale, and orange peppers. Researchers say its safety profile and accessibility make it a strong candidate for further clinical study.
The study also builds on earlier findings from the same lab showing that other dietary compounds may similarly enhance immune function.
Researchers emphasized that the findings are still in early stages and largely based on laboratory and animal studies. Clinical trials will be required to determine whether the benefits translate to cancer patients.
“Our findings open a new field of nutritional immunology,” Chen said, adding that further research could help identify natural compounds that improve the effectiveness of modern cancer therapies. (ANI)
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