A new study from University of Chicago, published in Cell Reports Medicine, suggests that zeaxanthin, a plant carotenoid known for eye health, may also boost the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. The compound enhances CD8+ T cells, the body’s tumor-killing immune cells, by stabilizing their T-cell receptor (TCR) complex, leading to stronger activation and improved anti-tumor activity.
In mouse models, zeaxanthin slowed tumor growth and significantly enhanced the effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Laboratory experiments also showed that it improved the ability of engineered human T cells to kill melanoma, multiple myeloma, and glioblastoma cells. Its wide availability, low cost, and well-established safety profile make it a promising candidate to complement existing immunotherapies.
Researchers emphasize that this work is still at an early stage. Clinical trials are needed to determine whether zeaxanthin supplements can meaningfully improve outcomes for cancer patients, but the findings point to a potential new strategy for enhancing anti-tumor immunity.