Role of T Cells in Fat and Muscle Loss During Infection

July 31, 2023

T cells, the body’s immune cells, have long been known to play a crucial role in fighting infections. However, recent research conducted on mice at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in California, US, has revealed a surprising connection between T cells and the phenomenon of fat and muscle loss during infection, known as wasting. The findings, published in the journal Cell Reports, shed light on the complex interactions between different groups of T cells and their impact on the body’s response to infections.

Unraveling the Mysteries of Wasting

Wasting, the process of fat and muscle loss during infection, has been a subject of interest for researchers due to its association with higher mortality rates. The study aimed to understand the role of T cells in mediating wasting and its influence on the body’s ability to fight infections and manage illnesses.

T Cells at the Center of Investigation

In this study, researchers focused on examining the activity of two groups of T cells – CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. CD4+ T cells lead the fight against infections and support the activity of CD8+ T cells, which are responsible for killing invaders and cancerous cells. The researchers hypothesized that the combined activity of these T cell groups might contribute to wasting.

The Parasite T. brucei as the Key

To study the mechanisms by which T cells mediate fat loss, the researchers infected the mice with the parasite T. brucei. This parasite is known to reside in fat and can block the adaptive immune response cells, including T cells.

Surprising Discoveries: Independent Actions of T Cell Subtypes

The results of the study were unexpected and revealed surprising insights into the role of T cells in wasting. CD4+ T cells were found to initiate the process of fat wasting, while CD8+ T cells independently initiated muscle wasting. Interestingly, fat wasting induced by CD4+ T cells had no impact on the mice’s ability to fight the T. brucei infection. However, CD8+ T cell-induced muscle wasting was found to help the mice fight the infection and survive.

Future Directions: Studying T Cell Mechanisms in Other Mammals and Humans

The findings of this study open up new avenues of research in understanding T cell mechanisms in wasting and their implications for survival and morbidity in various conditions, including infections, cancers, and chronic illnesses. The research team plans to extend their investigations to other mammals and eventually to humans to gain a comprehensive understanding of T cell functions.

« Previous Post Next Post »