Dublin:People with obesity experience fewer circulating Vd2+ T cells and weaker responses when these immune cells are stimulated, according to a study led by researchers from Maynooth University.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the peer-reviewed research published in JCI Insight reveals that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery leads to significant improvements in the metabolic activity and functional responses of these cells, reversing many defects linked with obesity. The study focused on a specialized subset of gamma delta T cells, which play a critical role in immune defense and the recognition and destruction of certain cancer cells.
The research highlighted that obesity correlates with reduced numbers of Vd2+ T cells in the bloodstream. When stimulated in a laboratory setting, these cells from individuals with obesity were less active and exhibited abnormalities in nutrient uptake and energy production. These processes are crucial for effective immune responses, suggesting a potential cellular explanation for impaired immune function in obesity. However, the study does not establish a direct causal relationship between metabolic changes and reduced cellular function.
The study, which involved collaboration with St Vincent’s University Hospital and University College Dublin, and was funded by the Health Research Board, found that post-surgery, participants showed significant metabolic improvements supporting immune-cell function. The research concluded that the metabolic and functional defects seen in obesity were reversed following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. However, the study did not provide information on participant numbers, follow-up duration, or effect sizes, limiting the ability to make broad clinical recommendations.
The findings offer new insights into the relationship between obesity and immune dysfunction, though further clinical research is required to determine if these cellular improvements translate into tangible health outcomes, such as fewer infections or improved cancer prognosis.