Very low carbohydrate diet boosts human T cell immunity through reprogramming of immune metabolism

https://doi.org/10.15252/emmm.202114323

Explanation

This study investigates the effects of a low carbohydrate diet on the immune system. It is known that switching to a low carbohydrate diet causes endogenous production of ketone bodies as an alternative energy substrate.

An in vitro model using primary human T cells and an immunonutrition intervention research study enrolling healthy volunteers showed that ketone bodies have a significant impact on human T cell responses. RNAseq and functional metabolic analysis revealed reprogramming of basic immunometabolism in response to ketones in favor of mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, leading to superior respiratory reserve, cellular energy supply, and reactive oxygen species signaling.

The data from this study suggest that an ultra-low carbohydrate diet may be recommended as a clinical tool to improve human T-cell immunity. They suggest that we need to reconsider the value of nutrition and diet in modern medicine.