Cancer ResearchCreatine Supercharges Immune Cells to Fight Cancer in New UCLA Study
Creatine, long known as a muscle-building supplement, may also strengthen the immune system's ability to fight cancer. A new UCLA study published in iScience found that creatine boosts the activity of dendritic cells — specialized immune cells that detect tumors and activate killer T cells. In mouse models of melanoma, daily creatine injections slowed tumor growth and increased both the number and activity of tumor-infiltrating dendritic cells. Lab experiments with human cells showed that without creatine uptake, dendritic cells functioned poorly and failed to properly prime T cells. Researchers believe creatine works by raising ATP energy levels inside dendritic cells. These findings could eventually help make cancer immunotherapy effective for more patients, though human clinical trials have not yet been conducted.
