Overview

• University of Chicago researchers report that zeaxanthin enhanced CD8+ T-cell function after a screen of blood nutrients identified it as a candidate modulator.
• The compound stabilized the T-cell receptor complex on CD8+ cells, amplifying signaling, activation, cytokine release, and tumor-killing in lab assays.
• In mouse models, dietary zeaxanthin slowed tumor growth and strengthened the effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors compared with immunotherapy alone.
• Engineered human T cells treated with zeaxanthin showed improved killing of melanoma, multiple myeloma, and glioblastoma cells in vitro.
• Zeaxanthin is inexpensive and widely available as an eye-health supplement, though the authors stress that clinical trials are required before cancer patient use.