NAD+ linked to cancer fighting cells

A new NAD+ study has shown strong indications that age-related NAD+ deficiency is responsible for various manifestations of ageing, including the decline in the immune system’s ability to fight cancer.

We know how important NAD+ is for proper, healthy cellular function and we’ve previously used NAD+ IV infusion therapy to help many clients relieve some of the unpleasant side effects of cancer. But this study indicates that NAD+ actually enhances the anti-tumour activity within our cells.

Natural killer cells (NK) powered by NAD+

Natural killer cells (NK) are present in all of us and they’re an extremely important part of our innate immune system. They’re named as such for their ability to attack damaged or infected cells without requiring activation by antigen-presenting cells. These cells are one of the first on the scene responding mostly to viral infections and nascent tumours within the body.

Activated NK cells are known to increase their mitochondrial energy production, something that is heavily reliant on having enough NAD+. Basically, having NAD+ present in our NK cells gives them the energy they need to do their job properly and it’s this notion that the study looked to investigate further.

In this study, the researchers hypothesised that NK’s killing potential is strongly linked to NAD+.

Findings from the study

In a mouse model of melanoma, the researchers implanted cancer cells together with either NAD+ treated or control NK cells and found that the treated cells were much better in suppressing tumour growth.

Researchers also found that the tumour microenvironment is known to impair the abilities of immune cells, NK cells included. In another experiment, media from cancer cells also reduced NAD+ levels when applied to NK cells.

So it seems it’s a vicious cycle – low levels of NAD+ mean that NK cells can’t effectively suppress tumours and fight cancer, and once cancerous tumours develop, NAD+ levels within those cells decrease further making it even harder for the cells to do their jobs.

What does this mean for potential cancer treatments?

Boosting NAD+ levels, which naturally decline with age, could be a potent anti-ageing intervention and may be a way of reducing cancer rates – something that increases with age. However, more studies will need to be done. What is clear is that NAD+ is vital for cellular health, especially for NK cells.