Cholesterol may boost the immune system's ability to fight and target tumors.

A recent study from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City revealed that cholesterol plays a crucial role in the function of dendritic cells, the immune cells that help the body recognize and fight cancer.

Dendritic cells act as the body's scouts, patrolling for threats such as cancer cells and alerting the immune system to take action. To do this effectively, dendritic cells must mature and communicate with other immune cells - a process fueled by cholesterol.

HOW CHOLESTEROL FUELS IMMUNE CELLS

The study, published in Nature Immunology, shows that cholesterol helps form small, cholesterol-rich structures on the surface of dendritic cells called lipid nanodomains. These hubs are vital for signaling the immune system to recognize and fight cancer.

All cells in the body contain cholesterol for proper function. This cholesterol can be obtained through the diet, or the body may make its own cholesterol.

The researchers observed that without enough cholesterol, these hubs could not form properly, preventing dendritic cells from growing and limiting their ability to alert the immune system, ultimately impairing the body's ability to detect and fight cancer.

Dendritic cells use cholesterol from both neighboring (often dead or dying) cells and their own production to build structures that strengthen immune responses.

Simply put, cholesterol creates these communication hubs and ensures that dendritic cells grow properly and can support a stronger immune response to cancer, particularly lung cancer; the authors noted.

CHOLESTEROL FOR HEALTHY IMMUNE FUNCTION

1. Eat healthy fats: Focus on foods such as olive oil, avocado, fatty fish (such as salmon), and nuts, which provide good cholesterol.

2. Exercise regularly: Physical activity helps regulate cholesterol and supports cardiovascular health, which is tied to a stronger immune system.

3. Avoid trans fats: Processed snacks, baked goods, and fried foods can raise levels of "bad" cholesterol in your blood and lower the levels of "good" cholesterol.