Fever Actually Helps Fight Off Infection, Evidence Shows
New research demonstrates that elevated body temperature plays a vital role on the generation of effective T-cell mediated immune response.
With cold and flu season now upon us, you may want to reconsider your options before taking medication fto reduce your fever the next time you're feeling sick, . Research scientists have found key evidence that elevated body temperature actually helps specific types of immune cells to work better.
The research is reported in the November 2011 issue of the Journal of
Leukocyte Biology.
"An increase in body temperature has been known since ancient times to be associated with infection and inflammation," said the researchers involved in the study from the Department of Immunology at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York.
"Since a febrile response is highly conserved in nature (even so-called cold blooded animals move to warmer places when they become ill) it would seem important that immunologists devote more attention to this interesting response."
Scientists found that the generation and differentiation of a particular kind of lymphocyte, known as a "CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell" which is capable of destroying virus-infected cells and tumor cells, is enhanced by mild fever-range hyperthermia.
The research suggests that elevated body temperature changes the T-cells' membranes which may help mediate the effects of micro-environmental temperature on cell function.
To test this, researchers injected two groups of lab subjects with an antigen, and examined the activation of T-cells following the interaction with antigen presenting cells.
Body temperature in half of the subjects was raised by 2 degrees centigrade, while the other half maintained a normal core body temperature. In the warmed subjects, results showed a greater number of the type of CD8 T-cells capable of destroying infected cells.
Although having a fever might be uncomfortable, having a fever is part
of an effective immune response. The scientists emphasized
"We had previously thought that the microbes that infect us simply can't replicate as well when we have fevers, but this new work also suggests
that the immune system might be temporarily enhanced functionally when our temperatures rise with fever. Although very high body temperatures are dangerous and should be controlled, this study shows that we may need to reconsider how and when we treat most mild fevers."
Story Source: Federation of American Societies
Journal Reference: Differentiation of CD8+ T cells into effector cells is enhanced by physiological range hyperthermia. Journal of Leukocyte Biology, 2011; 90 (5): 951
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
(2011, November 1)
"Catch the fever: It'll help you fight off infection, evidence shows"
Having A Fever Is Part of An Effective Immune Response
New research demonstrates that elevated body temperature plays a vital role on the generation of effective T-cell mediated immune response.
With cold and flu season now upon us, you may want to reconsider your options before taking medication fto reduce your fever the next time you're feeling sick, . Research scientists have found key evidence that elevated body temperature actually helps specific types of immune cells to work better.
The research is reported in the November 2011 issue of the Journal of
Leukocyte Biology.
"An increase in body temperature has been known since ancient times to be associated with infection and inflammation," said the researchers involved in the study from the Department of Immunology at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York.
"Since a febrile response is highly conserved in nature (even so-called cold blooded animals move to warmer places when they become ill) it would seem important that immunologists devote more attention to this interesting response."
Scientists found that the generation and differentiation of a particular kind of lymphocyte, known as a "CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell" which is capable of destroying virus-infected cells and tumor cells, is enhanced by mild fever-range hyperthermia.
The research suggests that elevated body temperature changes the T-cells' membranes which may help mediate the effects of micro-environmental temperature on cell function.
To test this, researchers injected two groups of lab subjects with an antigen, and examined the activation of T-cells following the interaction with antigen presenting cells.
Body temperature in half of the subjects was raised by 2 degrees centigrade, while the other half maintained a normal core body temperature. In the warmed subjects, results showed a greater number of the type of CD8 T-cells capable of destroying infected cells.
Although having a fever might be uncomfortable, having a fever is part
of an effective immune response. The scientists emphasized
"We had previously thought that the microbes that infect us simply can't replicate as well when we have fevers, but this new work also suggests
that the immune system might be temporarily enhanced functionally when our temperatures rise with fever. Although very high body temperatures are dangerous and should be controlled, this study shows that we may need to reconsider how and when we treat most mild fevers."
Story Source: Federation of American Societies
Journal Reference: Differentiation of CD8+ T cells into effector cells is enhanced by physiological range hyperthermia. Journal of Leukocyte Biology, 2011; 90 (5): 951
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
(2011, November 1)
"Catch the fever: It'll help you fight off infection, evidence shows"
This article is for informational and educational purposes only, and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact your doctor or healthcare professional for medical and nutritional consultation.
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