PLANT-DERIVED CAROTENOID FOUND TO BOOST IMMUNE RESPONSE AGAINST CANCER
In a new study, researchers from the University of Chicago discovered that zeaxanthin, a plant-derived carotenoid best known for protecting vision, may also act as an immune-boosting compound by strengthening the cancer-fighting activity of immune cells. The findings, which were published in Cell Reports Medicine, highlight the potential of zeaxanthin as a widely available supplement to improve the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies.
We were surprised to find that zeaxanthin, already known for its role in eye health, has a completely new function in boosting anti-tumor immunity. Our study show that a simple dietary nutrient could complement and strengthen advanced cancer treatments like immunotherapy."
Jing Chen, PhD, Janet Davison Rowley Distinguished Service Professor of Medicine and senior author of the study
How does this nutrient work?
The study builds on years of work by Chen's lab to better understand how nutrients influence the immune system. By screening a large blood nutrient library, the team identified zeaxanthin as a compound that directly enhances the activity of CD8+ T cells, a crucial type of immune cell that kills tumor cells. These cells rely on a molecular structure called the T-cell receptor (TCR) to recognize and destroy abnormal cells.
2025-09-02T18:03:18Z