Podcast discusses the longevity and division capabilities of T cells in mice over 10 years and 51 immunizations. Topics include memory T cell responses, telomere activity, cell transfers in cancer, and advancements in cell research. Conversations also cover hypogammaglobulinemia, ME-CFS, wound healing benefits, and open-access papers on Lupus, virology, and neuroton in immune responses.
T cells can undergo extended division cycles and maintain functionality, challenging division limits.
Rest periods between antigen exposure impact T cell longevity; longer intervals crucial for sustained survival.
Stimulated T cells display unique features but remain highly functional, challenging notions of exhaustion.
Deep dives
Cell Division and Longevity of T Cells
T cells have the remarkable ability to undergo numerous cell divisions and still maintain longevity, challenging the conventional understanding of cellular division limits. Experiments revealed that T cells remained viable and functional even after 51 stimulations over 10 years, showing no signs of transformation or loss of growth control. This unique capacity of T cells to proliferate repeatedly while retaining functionality sheds light on the biology of aging and the exceptional properties of T cell memory.
Rest Periods Influence T Cell Longevity
The rest periods between antigen exposure significantly impact the longevity of T cells. While longer rest periods of at least 30 days were crucial for T cells to maintain their super longevity, shorter rest periods of 7 days did not support sustained cell survival and proliferation. This finding underscores the importance of proper resting intervals in the preservation of T cell functionality and persistence over time.
Unique Characteristics of Stimulated T Cells
Stimulated T cells exhibited distinct features, showing increased telomere length, unique gene expression profiles, and upregulated exhaustion markers like PD-1 and TIM-3. Despite these characteristics, the T cells remained highly functional, capable of proliferating in culture and producing cytokines, such as interferon and TNF-alpha. These findings challenge conventional assumptions about exhaustion and transformation, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of T cells in response to recurring antigenic stimulation.
Discussion on immune diseases and therapy
The podcast episode delves into the complexities of immune-related diseases such as hypogammaglobulinemia and agammaglobulinemia, emphasizing the significance of vaccinations and potential therapies. It highlights the primary immunodeficiencies often associated with these conditions, such as deficiencies in CD40 or CD40 ligand, and discusses treatments like bone marrow transplantation and immunoglobulin therapy to mitigate immune system deficiencies.
Focus on wound healing and moist environment
Exploring the topic of wound healing, the podcast sheds light on the concept of moist wound healing versus the traditional practice of letting wounds air out. It delves into the benefits of maintaining a moist environment to enhance angiogenesis, collagen synthesis, and wound aesthetics while reducing pain. The discussion also touches upon the efficacy of using skin protectants like Vaseline or aquaphor compared to antibiotic ointments for wound care.
Immune explains the results of a study which show that in mice, functional T cells respond to vaccination for over 10 years and 51 successive immunizations, exhibiting supernumerary cell division and longevity.
