Magnesium for T cells: strong to the finish!

Trends Immunol. 2022 Apr;43(4):277-279. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2022.02.004. Epub 2022 Mar 5.

Abstract

'Popeye, the Sailor' cartoons taught children that eating spinach boosts strength and helps defend against bullies. Lötscher and colleagues report that dietary deficiency of magnesium ions (Mg2+), against which eating spinach is an excellent antidote, impairs the activity of a key adhesion molecule, LFA-1, and hinders the ability of CD8+ T cells to grapple with assorted bullies, such as tumors and bacteria.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes*
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Lymphocyte Function-Associated Antigen-1
  • Magnesium*

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Lymphocyte Function-Associated Antigen-1
  • Magnesium