Uncovering the Link Between Immune Cells and Cognitive Decline: Study Offers a New Way to Tackle Alzheimer’s Disease

<snip> “The MAIT cells that protect the brain are located in the meninges, but they are also present in the blood, so a simple blood test should let us compare levels in healthy subjects and those with Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders,” said Qi Yang, senior author of the study and associate professor at the Child Health Institute of New Jersey at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

MAIT cells, which were discovered in the 1990s, were already known to be the most abundant innate-like T cells in humans and to be particularly numerous in the liver and skin. The Rutgers study was the first to detect these cells, which are not fully understood when it comes to fighting disease, in the meninges, the membrane layers that cover the brain.

MAITs nested in the meninges appear to protect against cognitive decline by creating antioxidant molecules that combat toxic byproducts of energy production called reactive oxidative species. Without MAITs, the reactive oxidative species accumulate in the meninges and cause meningeal barrier leakage. When the meningeal barrier leaks, potentially toxic substances enter and inflame the brain. This accumulation eventually disrupts brain and cognitive function.

Reference: “Mucosal-associated invariant T cells restrict reactive oxidative damage and preserve meningeal barrier integrity and cognitive function” by Yuanyue Zhang, Jacob T. Bailey, En Xu, Kunal Singh, Marieke Lavaert, Verena M. Link, Shanti D’Souza, Alex Hafiz, Jian Cao, Gaoyuan Cao, Derek B. Sant’Angelo, Wei Sun, Yasmine Belkaid, Avinash Bhandoola, Dorian B. McGavern and Qi Yang, 21 November 2022, Nature Immunology.
DOI: 10.1038/s41590-022-01349-1

CHATGPT

To improve MAIT cell production, it is recommended to follow a balanced and nutritious diet that includes the following:

Foods high in Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is crucial for the function and development of MAIT cells, so it is important to include foods rich in this nutrient, such as meat, fish, dairy, and eggs.
Probiotics: Probiotics can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which is important for the development and activation of MAIT cells. Probiotic-rich foods include yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables like sauerkraut and kimchi.
Plant-based foods: Plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds contain nutrients and antioxidants that support immune function, including the production of MAIT cells.
Healthy fats: Healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, can help support the function of MAIT cells and the overall immune system. Fatty fish, such as salmon and mackerel, and plant-based sources like flaxseeds and chia seeds are good sources of omega-3s.

It is also important to limit or avoid processed foods, sugar, and saturated and trans fats, as they can have a negative impact on immune function and overall health.

Here is a sample meal plan for a week, which includes a balanced and nutritious diet to support MAIT cell production:

Day 1:

Breakfast: Oatmeal with berries and almond milk, scrambled eggs with whole grain toast.
Lunch: Grilled chicken breast with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic dressing, brown rice.
Dinner: Baked salmon with roasted vegetables and quinoa.

Day 2:

Breakfast: Greek yogurt with honey and granola, whole grain English muffin with avocado and scrambled eggs.
Lunch: Turkey and cheese sandwich with whole grain bread, carrot sticks, and an apple.
Dinner: Grilled shrimp with roasted sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli.

Day 3:

Breakfast: Smoothie with spinach, banana, almond milk, and chia seeds.
Lunch: Tuna salad with mixed greens and whole grain crackers.
Dinner: Vegetable stir-fry with tofu and brown rice.

Day 4:

Breakfast: Whole grain waffles with fresh berries and nut butter.
Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic dressing.
Dinner: Baked chicken breast with roasted vegetables and quinoa.

Day 5:

Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with whole grain toast, sliced avocado, and salsa.
Lunch: Veggie burger with whole grain bun and sweet potato fries.
Dinner: Grilled salmon with roasted vegetables and brown rice.

Note: This is a general meal plan and can be adjusted based on individual dietary needs and preferences. It is also important to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.