Health
Dietary yeast supplement enhances anti-tumor immune response in mice, study finds
Researchers discover oral yeast beta-glucan reprograms bone marrow stem cells to counter immune defects linked to obesity in animal models.
The short version
- A study from Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin found that feeding mice a yeast-derived beta-glucan supplement reprogrammed early immune cells in bone marrow.
- The dietary intervention strengthened immune responses against colorectal, breast, and skin cancer cells, while reversing obesity-related immune impairment even after weight loss.
- Researchers plan to transition the findings into human clinical trials to test whether the commercial supplement produces similar immune-training effects in people.
Key facts
- Researchers at Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin published findings in Cell Reports showing that dietary yeast beta-glucan induced trained immunity in mice.[ScienceDaily]
- Oral administration of the supplement altered bone marrow stem cells, leading to stronger immune defenses against colorectal, skin, and breast cancer cells in laboratory models.[ScienceDaily]
- The intervention restored innate anti-tumor immunity in obese mice and reversed lasting immune memory dysfunction that otherwise lingered following weight loss.[ScienceDaily]
- The study utilized Wellmune, a commercially available, food-grade yeast beta-glucan produced by Kerry Group.[ScienceDaily]
What remains uncertain
- Whether the immune-reprogramming and anti-tumor benefits observed in mice can be replicated safely and effectively in human clinical trials remains unproven.[ScienceDaily]
Sources
- This yeast supplement may boost cancer-fighting immunityScienceDaily - Health