New Research Uncovers Overlap Between Immune and Metabolic Disorders

A groundbreaking study reveals significant overlap between inherited immune and metabolic disorders, highlighting a novel set of genes critical for T cell activity. This could lead to better treatments for patients. The findings were published in Science Immunology, led by researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

A recent study has unveiled surprising similarities between inherited immune and metabolic disorders, reshaping our understanding of these complex illnesses. The research identifies a new collection of genes crucial for T cell activity, offering promising directions for improved patient care.

The investigation focused on genes responsible for inborn errors of immunity and metabolism, conditions that alter immune function and cellular energy transformation, respectively. "Previously, only a few genes were linked to both categories, but we've found many more," said Dr. Andrew Patterson, who led the study at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The study indicates that mutations in numerous metabolic genes may impair T cell function.

The findings suggest that patients with metabolic errors might also experience immune defects and vice versa. Dr. Jeffrey Rathmell, director of the Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology, noted, "These diseases lie on a continuum with a gray zone in between, potentially forming a new class of inborn errors of immunometabolism."

Using CRISPR gene-editing technology, the research team screened for immune defects in metabolic genes and metabolic defects in immunity genes. They delved deeper into specific examples to understand the mechanistic impacts. Rathmell emphasized the goal of discovering how metabolic pathways regulate T cell function to develop targeted therapies for immune-mediated disorders.

"We've laid the foundation for future research," Patterson remarked, noting the study's identification of hundreds of genes for further analysis. Dr. Vivian Gama and Dr. Janet Markle from Vanderbilt University made significant contributions to this study. Patterson has recently joined the University of Louisville as an assistant professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics.

(With inputs from agencies.)