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In a groundbreaking study, a healthy fatty acid found in olive oil and nuts was found to "strongly boost" immune cells that specialise in fighting cancer. At the same time, another type of naturally occurring fatty acid undermines these cells and may reduce the body's ability to fend off tumour growth.
Medical researchers at the University of Hong Kong's LKS Faculty of Medicine (HKUMed) found that oleic acid (OA) - the type found in olive oil - boosts gamma delta T cells (
γδ−T
cells). The team made the discovery while investigating how different dietary fatty acids affect this small subset of T cells, which act as rapid-response soldiers against infection and tumour growth.
These immune cells are also known to become dysfunctional in people who are obese or who follow a diet rich in saturated fats.
The researchers isolated human gamma delta T cells and cultured them in the lab, then exposed one group to oleic acid (OA) and another to palmitic acid (PA), which is typically found in palm oil, meat and dairy products. They then assessed the cells' survival, metabolic activity and ability to kill tumours. Cells treated with oleic acid were not only able to survive, but showed signs that their metabolism was running at full capacity, their mitochondria remained stable, their signalling was balanced, and their tumour-killing machinery stayed intact.
Lead author Tu Wenwei, a professor in the Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at HKUMed, said: "Our research suggests that fatty acid supplementation, particularly with oleic acid-rich foods such as olive oil and avocado, could enhance gamma delta T cell immune surveillance, leading to more effective cancer treatments."
However, cells exposed to palmitic acid suffered metabolic failure and inflammatory self-destruction. Essentially, their energy-production machinery broke down and they died in a way that made the surrounding immune environment more hostile. So while oleic acid was able to support and enhance T cell responses to tumours, palmitic acid did exactly the opposite.
Tu said: "The findings suggest that cancer patients should avoid palmitic acid and consider adding oleic acid supplements to their diets to improve the clinical outcomes of gamma delta T cell-based cancer treatments."
Although these findings were demonstrated in mouse models and cell cultures, they reinforce a growing body of evidence in the field of immunometabolism - how nutrients shape immune behaviour - suggesting that certain natural fats have wide-ranging benefits for cell health. Conversely, others may cause more harm than good. Saturated fatty acids - such as palmitic acid - tend to promote inflammation and oxidative stress, while unsaturated fats such as oleic acid support cleaner energy production and longer cell survival.
Tu said: "For cancer patients, this discovery suggests that simple changes, such as eating more oleic acid-rich foods (such as olive oil, avocado and nuts) and reducing palmitic acid (found in processed foods, palm oil and fatty meats), could improve the effectiveness of cancer treatments." He added: "The study also points to new strategies, such as combining dietary changes with specific drugs to further boost the immune system."
However, the researchers caution that their findings should not be interpreted as a green light to over-consume olive oil or supplements, as the results have not yet been replicated in a human model. Nonetheless, the study adds to a growing body of evidence supporting personalised nutrition plans to enhance cancer treatment, and paves the way for new drugs that target the processes affected by these fatty acids to boost gamma delta T cell therapies.
Source: New Atlas