How Do Researchers Discover the Mechanism Behind Food Tolerance Without Immune Attacks?
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Synopsis
A recent discovery by Israeli scientists reveals a complex network of immune cells responsible for food tolerance, an essential mechanism preventing harmful reactions during digestion. This breakthrough may lead to novel treatments for food allergies and sensitivities, ultimately enhancing our understanding of the immune system's role in food consumption.
Key Takeaways
- Israeli researchers have discovered a vital network of immune cells.
- The identified cells are crucial for oral tolerance.
- This mechanism prevents food allergies and inflammatory reactions.
- Understanding this system can lead to innovative treatments.
- The immune system exhibits a complex division of labor.
Jerusalem, May 28 (NationPress) - A team of scientists from Israel has uncovered a significant network of immune cells that enables humans to safely digest food while avoiding harmful immune responses.
This groundbreaking discovery, spearheaded by researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science (WIS), offers new insights into the phenomenon known as oral tolerance, which allows the body to recognize food as non-threatening and avert an immune attack, according to a report by the Xinhua news agency.
This essential mechanism prevents ordinary foods from triggering inflammation while still equipping the immune system to combat infections.
The findings could open doors to innovative treatments for food allergies, sensitivities, and conditions such as celiac disease. By enhancing our understanding of this system, scientists aim to rectify instances when the body incorrectly targets food.
Dr. Ranit Kedmi from Weizmann’s Systems Immunology Department stated, "If an aggressor crosses the border, they are swiftly neutralized, peace agreements notwithstanding. The immune system functions similarly."
For years, it was thought that specific immune cells, known as dendritic cells, were responsible for oral tolerance. However, experiments removing these cells in animals showed that food was still tolerated.
Now, the WIS researchers, in a study published in the journal Nature, have identified another category of immune cells, referred to as ROR-gamma-t cells, as the key players in this process.
These rare cells initiate a sequence of reactions involving four distinct cell types, ultimately inhibiting the body's attack cells, known as CD8 cells, from reacting to food.
When this system malfunctions, it can result in food allergies, sensitivities, or disorders where the body erroneously targets food proteins like gluten.
The researchers also discovered that during an infection, the immune system can temporarily suppress food tolerance to combat microbes, before reverting to its normal regulatory role.
“There appears to be much more specialization within the immune system than previously understood,” Kedmi elaborated. “It’s not solely dendritic cells that determine whether to attack foreign substances. Instead, entirely different, specific, and rare cells are responsible for initiating a mechanism that ensures safe food consumption,” she added.
Point of View
It's imperative to highlight the significant implications of this research. Understanding how our immune system manages food tolerance is crucial not only for individual health but also for addressing widespread conditions like food allergies. This discovery could lead to innovative therapies that improve quality of life for many.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is oral tolerance?
Oral tolerance is the body's ability to recognize food as safe, preventing harmful immune responses during digestion.
How do ROR-gamma-t cells function?
ROR-gamma-t cells initiate a chain reaction involving different immune cell types that help prevent the body's attack cells from reacting to food.
Why is this discovery important?
Understanding the mechanism of food tolerance could lead to new treatments for food allergies and sensitivities, improving the lives of many individuals.
What happens when the tolerance system fails?
When this system fails, it can result in food allergies, sensitivities, or autoimmune diseases where the body mistakenly attacks food proteins.
Can infections affect food tolerance?
Yes, during infections, the immune system can temporarily override food tolerance to combat pathogens, returning to normal afterward.
