Creatine supplements can activate dendritic cells and enhance the body’s natural anti-tumor immune response. This is the conclusion reached by the authors of a new study published in the scientific journal iScience, reports UNN.
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Researchers found that dendritic cells, which play a key role in triggering the immune response against tumors, increase the expression of the creatine transporter upon activation. This allows the cells to absorb creatine more efficiently and maintain the necessary energy levels. Experiments showed that a lack of such a transporter leads to decreased dendritic cell activity and a weakened response of CD8 T-cells, which destroy cancer cells.
In contrast, supplemental administration of creatine enhanced the activation of dendritic cells both in laboratory conditions and in the bodies of experimental animals. In a mouse model of melanoma, this was accompanied by the suppression of tumor growth. Scientists observed a similar effect in human dendritic cells derived from monocytes.
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The authors of the study note that creatine helps maintain intracellular stores of ATP—the primary source of energy for cells. In their view, the results indicate the promise of using creatine as an adjunct to enhance cancer immunotherapy. At the same time, the study does not prove that creatine treats oncological diseases on its own, and its potential requires further study in clinical trials involving humans.