Vanderbilt University Study: How Fever Affects Immune Cells and Cancer Risk
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Centre have discovered that fever temperatures can boost immune cell activity but also cause stress and damage in certain T cells. This study, published in Science Immunology, explores how heat affects cells and its link to cancer development. Jeff Rathmell, a professor at Vanderbilt, explained that while fever can enhance helper T cell functions, it also causes mitochondrial stress and DNA damage in Th1 cells, leading to cell death. However, some Th1 cells adapt, becoming more resilient and effective. This research highlights the dual nature of fever, showing that while mild fever can be beneficial, prolonged high temperatures may contribute to cancer through chronic inflammation.
Understanding the Impact of Fever
Graduate student Darren Heintzman, motivated by personal experiences, cultured T cells at higher temperatures. He found that heat increased the metabolism and activity of helper T cells but reduced the suppressive capacity of regulatory T cells. Surprisingly, some Th1 cells experienced stress and damage, yet others adapted and thrived.
Implications for Health
The study suggests that chronic inflammation and sustained high temperatures could lead to cancer by causing cells to mutate. Rathmell emphasized that while a little fever can be beneficial, excessive fever is harmful, providing a new understanding of fever’s effects on the body.
Doubts Revealed
Vanderbilt University -: Vanderbilt University is a well-known university in the United States, located in Nashville, Tennessee. It is famous for its research and education.
Immune Cells -: Immune cells are special cells in our body that help fight off infections and keep us healthy. They are like tiny soldiers that protect us from germs and diseases.
Cancer Risk -: Cancer risk refers to the chance or likelihood of developing cancer. Cancer is a disease where cells in the body grow uncontrollably.
Science Immunology -: Science Immunology is a scientific journal where researchers publish their studies about the immune system. It is a place where scientists share their findings with others.
Helper T Cells -: Helper T cells are a type of immune cell that help other cells in the immune system do their jobs. They are important for coordinating the body’s response to infections.
Mitochondrial Stress -: Mitochondrial stress happens when the mitochondria, which are the powerhouses of the cell, are not working properly. This can cause problems for the cell and affect its health.
DNA Damage -: DNA damage means that the DNA, which is like a set of instructions for our cells, gets broken or changed. This can lead to problems in how cells function and may cause diseases.
Th1 Cells -: Th1 cells are a type of T cell that help fight off viruses and bacteria. They are part of the immune system and play a role in protecting the body from infections.
Chronic Inflammation -: Chronic inflammation is when the body’s immune response stays active for a long time, even when there is no infection. This can cause damage to the body’s tissues and organs.
