Common nutrients found to overeat immune cells against cancer

Researchers have found that zeaxanthine, long associated with eye health, could also stimulate the body’s immune response against cancer.

In a recent study, scientists of Chicago University have found that zeaxanthine, a carotenoid derived from plants and traditionally recognized to support ocular health, can also improve immune function by stimulating the capacity to combat the tumor of certain immune cells. Published in Cell reports MedicineResearch indicates the promise of zeaxanthine as an accessible supplement that could improve the efficiency of immunotherapy against cancer.

“We were surprised to note that the zeaxanthine, already known for its role in eye health, has a completely new function to stimulate anti-tumor immunity,” said Jing Chen, Phd, Janet Davison Rowley, professor of distinguished medicine and the main author of the study. “Our study shows that a simple food nutrient could complete and strengthen advanced cancer treatments such as immunotherapy.”

How does this nutrient work?

Chen’s laboratory has spent years studying how nutrients shape the immune function, and this study extends this effort. By detecting a large library of blood nutrients, the team has identified zeaxanthine as a compound which directly stimulates the activity of CD8 +cells, the immune cells responsible for the death of tumor cells. These T cells depend on a structure known as the T cell receiver (TCR) to detect and eliminate abnormal cells.

Researchers discovered that zeaxanthine helps stabilize and strengthen the TCR complex on CD8 + TC cells when they get involved with cancer cells. This strengthening effect amplifies intracellular signaling, leading to greater activation of T cells, higher cytokine production and improving the performance of tumors.

Zeaxanthine improves immunotherapy effects

In mouse experiences, food zeaxanthine supplementation has slowed down the progress of tumors. Even more striking, when associated with immune control point inhibitors – a widely used form of cancer immunotherapy – zeaxanthine has significantly increased anti -tumor activity compared to immunotherapy alone.

To extend the results, the researchers tested human T cells designed to recognize specific tumor antigens and found that the treatment at zeaxanthine improved the ability of these cells to kill melanoma, multiple myeloma and glioblastoma cells in laboratory experiments.

“Our data shows that zeaxanthine improves natural and engineering engineering of T cells, which suggests a high translation potential for patients undergoing immunotherapy,” said Chen.

A safe and accessible candidate

The zeaxanthine is sold as an over -the -counter supplement for the health of the eyes and is naturally found in vegetables such as orange peppers, spinach and kale. It is inexpensive, widely available, well tolerated and, above all, its security profile is known – which means that it can be tested safely in addition to therapies against cancer.

The study also strengthens the importance of a balanced diet. In their previous research, the CHEN group discovered that trans-vacucenic acid (VAT), a fatty acid derived from dairy products and meat, also stimulates the activity of T cells – but by a different mechanism. Together, the results suggest that nutrients from plant and animal sources can provide additional advantages to immune health.

Zeaxanthine clinical applications

Although the results are promising, the researchers point out that work is still at an early stage. Most of the results come from laboratory experiences and animal studies. Thus, clinical trials will be necessary to determine whether zeaxanthine supplements can improve results for cancer patients.

“Our results open up a new field of nutritional immunology which examines how specific food components interact with the immune system at the molecular level,” said Chen. “With more research, we can discover natural compounds that make therapies against cancer of today more efficient and accessible.”

Reference: “Zeaxanthine increases the function of cells T effector CD8 + Effector and the efficiency of immunotherapy” by Freya Q. Zhang, Jiacheng Li, Rukang Zhang, Jiayi Tu, Zhicheng Xie, Takemasa Tsuji, Hherik Shah, Matthew O. Choudhry, Chunzhao Yin, Hamed R. Youshanlouei, Syed Shah, Michael W. Drazer, Yu-Ying He, B. Marc Bissonnette, Yuancheng Li, Hui Mao, Jun Huang, Lei Dong, Rui Su, Chuan He, Kunle Odunsi, Jing Chen and Hao Fan, September 1, 2025, Cell reports medicine.
DOI: 10.1016 / J.XCRM.2025.102324

Research was supported by subsidies from National Health InstitutesThe Ludwig Center at the University of Chicago and the Harborview Foundation Gift Fund.

Never miss a breakthrough: join the Scitechdaily newsletter.