Israeli Scientists Identify Immune Cell Network That Prevents Body from Attacking Food
Jerusalem: Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science (WIS) have identified a network of immune cells that allows the human body to digest food without triggering harmful immune responses.
The study provides new information on oral tolerance, the immune system’s ability to recognize food as harmless while continuing to protect the body from infections.
This system helps prevent inflammation caused by food while allowing immune cells to respond to microbes.
The findings may help in developing treatments for food allergies, sensitivities, and conditions like celiac disease. By understanding how this system works, researchers aim to address situations where the immune system reacts to food proteins by mistake.
"If an aggressor fires across the border, he will be swiftly neutralised, peace accords notwithstanding. The immune system operates on a similar principle," said Dr. Ranit Kedmi from Weizmann’s Systems Immunology Department.
Dendritic cells were previously thought to be responsible for oral tolerance, but animal studies showed that food tolerance remained even after removing these cells.
The WIS team, in a study preprinted by the journal Nature, identified ROR-gamma-t cells as the cells that initiate oral tolerance. These rare cells start a process involving four different types of immune cells, which together prevent CD8 T cells from reacting to food.
When this system does not function properly, it can lead to food allergies or diseases in which the body attacks food proteins, such as gluten.
The researchers also observed that during infections, the immune system can temporarily stop food tolerance to fight microbes, and then return to normal function.
“Apparently, there is much more division of labour in the immune system than previously appreciated,” Kedmi explained. “It’s not that dendritic cells always decide whether or not to attack foreign substances. Rather, completely different players – specific, rare cells – are dedicated to launching a mechanism that makes sure we can consume food safely,” she added.
Rishika Verma is a graduate from Delhi University. She joined Medical Dialogues in 2023. Her interest lies in reporting health news, hospital updates, health updates, medical case studies, and advancements in healthcare, etc.