Study reveals metabolic switch crucial for memory T cell formation and cancer immunity

Researchers at Ludwig Cancer Research have identified a metabolic switch, PPARβ/δ, vital to the formation of memory T cells necessary for long-lasting immunity. Dysfunctional PPARβ/δ results in impaired T cell memory of encountered viruses and induces anticancer immune responses. This discovery could lead to advancements in cancer immunotherapies. PPARβ/δ has also been implicated in the formation and maintenance of progenitor-exhausted T cells found in tumours.