Scientists at the University of Chicago have made an intriguing discovery regarding a compound found in red meat and dairy products. The compound, known as trans-vaccenic acid or TVA, has been found to activate T cells in the body, which play a crucial role in the immune system's ability to combat germs and diseases, including tumors.

Published in the journal Nature on Wednesday, the study highlights the potential benefits of TVA in enhancing the body's response to immunotherapy treatment in cancer patients. The researchers found that patients with higher levels of TVA in their blood had a more favorable response to the treatment, suggesting a possible role for TVA as a supplement during cancer therapy.

The research team initially screened around 700 metabolites, which are small molecules derived from food, for their anti-cancer properties. Out of the top six compounds selected, TVA demonstrated the most effective ability to combat the development of tumors in both human and mouse cells.

Further experiments showed that feeding mice a diet rich in TVA significantly reduced the growth of melanoma and colon cancer cells, while also boosting the body's capacity to infiltrate and attack tumors. Additionally, analysis of blood samples from lymphoma patients undergoing immunotherapy revealed that higher levels of TVA were associated with better treatment outcomes.

"These findings highlight the remarkable impact of a single nutrient like TVA on specific immune cell types and its profound physiological response in the whole organism," commented Jing Chen, a cancer researcher at the University of Chicago.

However, the study's authors cautioned against interpreting their findings as a recommendation to increase consumption of red meat and dairy. They emphasized the accumulating evidence on the potential adverse health effects of excessive intake of these products. Instead, the researchers are currently exploring the possibility of finding a similar compound in plant-based sources that could possess similar tumor-fighting properties.

Chen stated, "Early data suggests that other fatty acids derived from plants may signal through a similar receptor, indicating a promising possibility of finding plant-based nutrients that can enhance anti-tumor immunity."

The researchers believe that studying the link between diet, specific nutrients, and human health can provide valuable insights into understanding the mechanisms underlying physiology and pathology.

As the search for compounds with robust tumor-fighting abilities continues, it is clear that the discovery of TVA's role in enhancing the body's immune response to tumors could have significant implications in the field of cancer treatment.