Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

New paper published in Nature Communications from researchers in Respiratory Medicine Unit, NDM Experimental Medicine'

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a recently-discovered type of white blood cell which are believed to play an important role in protecting humans, and many other mammals, from infections. They are able to detect minute quantities of vitamin metabolites produced in cells infected with bacteria and yeasts, but so far they have not been shown to protect against a major human disease. In work undertaken at the University of Melbourne, and published in the journal Nature Communications, the team and I have shown that in humans and animals MAIT cells can respond to two strains of Legionella: the bacterium which causes the very serious lung infection, Legionnaire’s disease. Importantly we showed in mice that having MAIT cells improves the chances of survival. For the first time we also showed that this protection against disease could be improved by activating these cells with vitamin metabolites. This could be an exciting new approach to protecting people against serious lung infections.

Find out more (Nature Communications)

Similar stories

What’s your sound barrier? New study finds nearly one in five people in the UK find everyday sounds intolerable

Researchers from King’s College London and University of Oxford have shown that 18.4 per cent of the general UK population report that certain sounds, such as loud chewing, and repetitive sniffing, cause a significant problem in their lives. The condition is known as misophonia.

Misophonia: nearly one in five UK adults have the condition causing extreme reactions to certain sounds

Many of us have sounds that we find to be annoying. But for some people, certain sounds actually trigger extreme reactions.

Any type of hormonal contraceptive may increase risk of breast cancer

An analysis of data by researchers at the Nuffield Department of Population Health’s Cancer Epidemiology Unit has shown that use of progestogen-only hormonal contraceptives is associated with a 20-30% higher risk of breast cancer. The results are published in PLOS Medicine.

Viewing self-harm images on the internet and in social media usually causes harm, according to new review

Clinical researchers have reviewed the international research evidence regarding the impact of viewing images of self-harm on the internet and in social media.

Can humans hibernate?

Illuminating new TEDx Talk from Professor of Sleep Physiology Vladyslav Vyazovskiy

RECOVERY trial team awarded MRC Impact Prize for Outstanding Team Impact

The Medical Research Council Prize Committee has awarded the RECOVERY trial team the MRC Impact Prize 2022 for Outstanding Team Impact.