Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have discovered that the amino acid cysteine activates immune mechanisms that stimulate the renewal of intestinal stem cells. This finding could help restore tissue after chemo- and radiation therapy.
Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have discovered that the amino acid cysteine can activate intestinal tissue regeneration and trigger rejuvenation processes. The discovery, published in the journal Nature, could lead to new treatment approaches for patients who have undergone radiation or chemotherapy.
The scientists found that cysteine activates an immune signaling pathway that causes intestinal stem cells to form new tissue. This process helps repair damage to the lining, which often occurs after cancer treatment.
According to Omer Yilmaz, Director of the MIT Stem Cell Initiative, cysteine could become a safe tool for body restoration: “If we offer patients a diet rich in cysteine or supplements with this amino acid, it might mitigate the side effects of chemo- and radiation therapy. The advantage is that we are using a natural compound, not synthetic drugs.”
Experiments on mice showed that cysteine enhances the activity of CD8 T cells—immune cells that begin to produce the cytokine IL-22, which is responsible for intestinal tissue regeneration. This effect was unexpected, as CD8 T cells were not previously thought to be involved in IL-22 production.
The study also showed that cysteine’s main action occurs in the small intestine, where proteins are absorbed. The scientists hypothesize that a similar mechanism may also be characteristic of humans.
If the results are confirmed in clinical trials, adding cysteine to the diet could become a simple and natural way to accelerate tissue healing after medical procedures and maintain intestinal health.
