Newswise — In a recent study, researchers have successfully unraveled the development and protective mechanisms of a specific type of immune cell within the body, offering potential breakthroughs in preventive treatments. Led by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and Federation University Australia, the investigation shed light on the operations of these specialized white blood cells and their capacity to generate an effective immune response.
Associate Professor Dan Pellicci, a key figure in the research, emphasized that comprehending the functionality of these cells could pave the way for harnessing their potential to combat cancer and highly infectious diseases such as COVID-19, Strep A, and tuberculosis.
The study, published in Science Immunology, involved the analysis of donated samples from the Melbourne Children’s Heart Tissue Bank, graciously provided by patients who had undergone heart surgery before the age of 16. Through this examination, the researchers specifically focused on the role of 'gamma delta T cells' situated within the thymus gland—a small organ located near the heart within the chest.
The groundbreaking findings of this study mark the first instance in which the process of producing these infection-fighting immune cells by the thymus gland has been elucidated. Such discoveries hold great promise for advancing preventive medicine and enhancing our ability to protect against various diseases and infections.
"Our blood and tissues harbor significant numbers of these specialized cells, accumulating as we reach adulthood. Prior to our study, the process by which these cells develop within the body remained unclear," stated Associate Professor Pellicci.
"Our research has revealed a three-stage training process for these cells, akin to receiving primary, secondary, and tertiary education, culminating in their maturation within the thymus. After this education, these cells are primed to disperse throughout the body and adeptly combat infections."
Associate Professor Pellicci noted that previous studies had suggested these immune cells primarily originated in the liver during fetal development. However, the present research effectively debunked that theory.
"Many experts had assumed that the thymus played a negligible role in the development of these cells as we age, but we now know this unassuming organ contributes significantly to preparing the body for a lifetime of robust health," he remarked.
"The deeper our understanding of these cells, the greater the potential to unlock novel approaches in treating infectious diseases and cancer."
The study's findings were a collaborative effort, with contributions from researchers at the University of Melbourne, The Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Federation University, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne Centre for Cardiovascular Genomics and Regenerative Medicine, The Royal Children’s Hospital, and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research.
Publication: Louis Perriman, Naeimeh Tavakolinia, Sedigheh Jalali, Shou Li, Peter F Hickey, Daniela Amann-Zalcenstein, William Wing Ho, Tracey M Baldwin, Adam T Piers, Igor E Kostantinov, Jeremy Anderson, Edouard G Stanley, Paul V Licciardi, George Kannourakis, Shalin H Naik, Hui-Fern Koay, Laura K Mackay, Stuart P Berzins and Daniel G Pellicci, ‘A three-stage developmental pathway for human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells within the postnatal thymus,’ Science Immunology. DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abo4365
*The content of this communication is the sole responsibility of the Murdoch Children’s and does not reflect the views of the NHMRC.
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