How Obesity Prevents the Immune System from Fighting Cancer Has Been Discovered

Obesity, is now clearly known to be a leading cause of cancer. Research has found that obesity increases the risk of at least 13 different cancers, including endometrial (uterine), liver, pancreatic, colorectal and postmenopausal breast cancers. Although the relationship between obesity and cancer is supported by scientific evidence, how this contributes to cancer formation had not been fully clarified. In November 2018, Nature Immunologypublished a study discovering how obesity renders immune system cells ineffective against tumors .

Our immune system normally can recognize and destroy cancerous cells and cells beginning to become cancerous. This is called immune surveillance . However, during cancer formation, the 10 fundamental characteristics of cancer cellsinclude developing mechanisms to evade the immune system. Could it be that by gaining excess weight, we are helping cancer cells evade the immune system?

Fat Molecules Prevent Natural Killer Cells from Working!

The study evaluated obesity's effect on immune surveillance. It focused particularly on natural killer cells (natural killer, NK). Natural killer cells are a type of white blood cell and play an important role in immune responses against tumors. Researchers took natural killer cells from mice and humans and performed experiments.

According to the Analysis Results;

• Natural killer cells in obese people were observed to be clogged with fat . Even when these cells attached to a tumor, they had lost their ability to destroy it.
• When fat accumulation in these cells was prevented, the cells regained their tumor-fighting properties.

So What Does This Study Mean for You?

• This is one of the first studies showing obesity's effect on the immune system
• Another important explanation of "how obesity causes cancer" has been provided. It should not be forgotten that an active lifestyle, balanced nutrition and maintaining an ideal weight reduce cancer risk.
• Metabolic pathways in the immune system were shown to be potentially important drug targets. Metabolic reprogramming of natural killer cells may enhance the anticancer effect.