In a groundbreaking study, researchers at Israel’s Weizmann Institute of Science have uncovered the biological mechanism that prevents the immune system from attacking food—a process known as oral tolerance. The discovery could revolutionize treatments for food allergies, celiac disease, and other autoimmune disorders.
ROR-Gamma-T Cells: The Peacekeepers of the Gut
The study, published in Nature, identifies a rare group of immune cells called ROR-gamma-T cells as the key players in maintaining food tolerance. These cells initiate a cascade involving four types of immune cells, ultimately suppressing CD8 T cells, which are typically responsible for attacking foreign substances.
“It’s like a peace agreement,” explained Dr. Ranit Kedmi of the Weizmann Institute. “Even if an attacker crosses the border, the army will respond—but in this case, the immune system has a mechanism to tolerate food unless there’s a real threat”.
Beyond Dendritic Cells
For years, scientists believed dendritic cells were responsible for this tolerance. However, even when these cells were removed in animal studies, the immune system continued to tolerate food—pointing to a more complex network involving ROR-gamma-T cells.
Implications for Food Allergies and Autoimmune Disorders
When this system fails, the body may mistakenly treat harmless food proteins as threats, leading to allergic reactions or autoimmune responses. The researchers also found that during infections, the immune system can temporarily override food tolerance to fight pathogens, then restore it once the danger passes.
A New Frontier in Immunotherapy
Experts believe this discovery could pave the way for targeted therapies that reset or repair broken tolerance mechanisms, offering hope to millions suffering from food-related immune conditions.
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