Researchers discover “kill switch” controlling rapid-response immune cells
A new study from Drs Fern Koay, Calvin Xu and Prof Dale Godfrey in the Dept of Microbiology & Immunology has uncovered a way the body controls a group of specialised immune cells which are known for their rapid response to disease.
The latest research, published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, identified a built-in safety switch that regulates these immune cells and may prevent them from becoming too active, which could lead to harmful inflammation. This discovery could open new ways to treat a range of health conditions.
Dr Hui-Fern Koay, an ARC DECRA Fellow in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at the Doherty Institute and lead of the study, said the research highlights how the body keeps its prompt immune response in check.
Unconventional T cells are like the first responders of our immune system—they act fast, but like any rapid action, they need careful regulation...what we found is a negative feedback mechanism that should limit prolonged, unwanted immune responses.
Previously hidden immune-cell populations brought to light
The researchers also discovered a previously overlooked group of unconventional T cells that co-produce two important molecules that are key regulators of the immune response.
Dr Calvin Xu, Research Officer in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology and first author of the study, emphasised the impact of this discovery.
“Finding these cells was a significant breakthrough. These cells could help us better understand the diversity of immune functions carried out by unconventional T cells," he said.
Unlocking potential new avenues for treatment
Unconventional T cells are abundant in organs like the liver, where they respond rapidly to signs of infection, inflammation or tissue damage. However, their high sensitivity to damage signals often leads to premature cell death, limiting their full potential in immune defence.
Understanding the mechanisms that regulate these cells provides a new target for developing therapies that could either amplify immune responses in diseases like cancer or reduce excessive inflammation in conditions like chronic liver disease.
Professor Dale Godfrey, Laboratory Head in the Department at the Doherty Institute and co-senior author of the study, noted the potential of this discovery for new treatment strategies.
“By targeting this regulatory pathway, we may be able to harness the power of these rapid-response cells to improve disease outcomes,” said Professor Godfrey.
This article was originally published by the Doherty Institute on 2 December.
The Doherty Institute is a joint venture between The University of Melbourne and The Royal Melbourne Hospital.