A series of experimental studies conducted by scientists at the University of Chicago in the United States have shown that octadecenoic acid (TVA) found in beef and milk can target several different types of cancer cells by activating immune cells that respond to tumors. Further research has found that this substance can work in synergy with existing therapies to combat cancer. The relevant paper was published in the recent journal Nature. To further investigate the impact of food on human health, the research team created a library of 255 nutritional compounds, including different proteins and fats. Then they delved into compounds that may support or enhance the activity of certain T cells (immune cells involved in the body's response to cancer). The research team tested the effects of the first six candidate substances on various T cells extracted from mice and ultimately discovered this particularly potent nutrient, TVA. TVA is a long-chain fatty acid found in the meat and dairy products of ruminants such as cows and sheep. TVA is one of several fatty acids that enter the human body when people consume meat or milk from ruminants. The human body only decomposes about 20% of TVA, and the effect of the remaining 80% of TVA on the human body has previously been unknown. A series of experimental results showed that TVA activated the anti-tumor immune activity of mouse melanoma cells. Moreover, compared with mice that did not consume TVA, mice with skin cancer significantly slowed down tumor growth after consuming a diet rich in TVA. The research team also found that TVA promotes the anti-tumor activity of CD8+T cells, which are crucial immune cells for killing cancer cells; Moreover, lymphoma patients with higher levels of TVA in their blood respond better to immunotherapy. In an experiment, TVA enhanced the ability of an immunotherapy drug to kill human leukemia cells. Researchers say they will conduct further research on the synergy between TVA and immunotherapy in the future. In addition, large consumption of red meat will increase the risk of breast cancer, colon cancer and rectal cancer, but taking supplements can avoid excessive consumption of red meat. Author: Liu Xia (Le Xin She)