A new study from the University of Hong Kong offers fresh insight into how the fats we eat might influence the immune system’s ability to fight disease.
Researchers found that oleic acid, a healthy fat found in olive oil, avocados and nuts, appears to boost the power of certain immune cells known for attacking tumors. By contrast, palmitic acid, which is abundant in palm oil and fatty meats, may suppress their activity.
The study, published in Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, examined how these two fatty acids affect a specialized group of immune cells called γδ-T cells. These cells help the body detect and destroy abnormal or cancerous cells, but their performance can vary depending on the body’s metabolic state.
“Our research suggests that dietary fatty acid supplementation, particularly with foods rich in oleic acid, such as olive oil and avocados, could enhance γδ-T cell immunosurveillance, leading to more effective cancer treatments,” said Professor Tu Wenwei, who led the study at the University of Hong Kong’s School of Clinical Medicine.
The team also found that palmitic acid could weaken these same immune cells and that oleic acid was able to counteract that effect.
“The results indicate that cancer patients should avoid palmitic acid and consider oleic acid supplementation in their diets to improve clinical outcomes of γδ-T cell-based cancer therapies,” Tu added.
While the research was conducted in the lab rather than through clinical trials, the findings add to a growing body of evidence linking dietary fats, immune health and disease progression. The researchers discovered that oleic acid supports the function of γδ-T cells through a specific pathway involving the protein IFNγ, a key immune signaling molecule.
Professor Tu said the work shows how nutrition could one day play a role in improving cancer care.
“This study is the first to show that the fatty acids we eat can directly affect how well our immune cells fight cancer,” he said. “Simple changes, like eating more foods rich in oleic acid and cutting back on palmitic acid, could improve the effectiveness of cancer treatments. The study also points to novel strategies, like combining dietary changes with specific drugs to further boost the immune system.”
Scientists caution that more studies are needed before specific dietary recommendations can be made for cancer patients. Still, the results point to a broader message: the quality of fats in the diet may influence not just heart health, but how the immune system functions at its most fundamental level.
This research was supported by the Health and Medical Research Fund of Hong Kong’s Health Bureau, the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong, the Seed Funding for Strategic Interdisciplinary Research Scheme at the University of Hong Kong and the Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology Scientific Research Program.