Research Collaboration Published in ‘Journal of Clinical Investigation’

In early life, newborns are exposed to many new antigens, and their immune system must learn to tolerate harmless substances while still defending against threats. This study shows that naïve CD4+ T cells in newborns are especially good at becoming regulatory T cells (Tregs), which help maintain immune tolerance.

This enhanced ability is linked to the unique metabolism of these cells and high levels of the protein CD38. Newborn T cells favor a type of energy production called glycolysis, which supports their development into Tregs. CD38 also helps maintain this metabolic state and promotes immune tolerance through interactions with the enzyme SIRT1.

Our research group is happy to have contributed to this amazing effort by adding the neonatal thymectomy cohort, helping to strengthen the insights into early-life immune regulation.

Overall, the study highlights how the metabolic features of newborn T cells create a critical window for establishing immune tolerance, enabling the body to distinguish between harmless and harmful substances. link to article