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=> Common carotenoid may strengthen cancer-fighting immune cells: study
[altText] => Common carotenoid may strengthen cancer-fighting immune cells: study
Common carotenoid may strengthen cancer-fighting immune cells: study Ahmedabad Mirror => Common carotenoid may strengthen
cancer-fighting immune cells: study
Common carotenoid may strengthen cancer-fighting immune cells: study =>
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Common carotenoid may strengthen cancer-fighting immune cells: study
Agencies
Apr 16, 2026 03:00 PM | UPDATED: Apr 15, 2026 11:33 PM | 7 min read
A naturally occurring nutrient commonly associated with eye health may have a broader medical role, according to new research from the University of Chicago. The study, published in Cell Reports Medicine, suggests that zeaxanthin — a plant-derived carotenoid — could enhance the body’s immune response against cancer, potentially improving the effectiveness of existing treatments such as immunotherapy.
Researchers, led by Jing Chen, PhD, Janet Davison Rowley Distinguished Service Professor of Medicine, found that zeaxanthin appears to strengthen the activity of CD8-positive T cells, which are central to identifying and destroying cancer cells. “We were surprised to find that zeaxanthin… has a completely new function in boosting anti-tumour immunity,” Chen said.
The team analysed a wide range of nutrients present in the bloodstream and identified zeaxanthin as one that directly improves T-cell performance. These immune cells rely on a structure known as the T-cell receptor to detect abnormal or cancerous cells. The study found that zeaxanthin helps stabilise this receptor complex, leading to stronger signalling within the cell. This, in turn, increases T-cell activation, cytokine production and the ability to target tumours.
In animal models, diets supplemented with zeaxanthin were associated with slower tumour growth. The effect was more pronounced when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors, a class of drugs that has reshaped cancer care in recent years. Together, the combination produced stronger anti-tumour responses than immunotherapy alone.
Laboratory experiments using human T cells engineered to target cancer markers also showed improved ability to destroy melanoma, multiple myeloma and glioblastoma cells when exposed to zeaxanthin.