Immune system protein regulates sensitivity to bitter taste. New research from the Monell Center reveals that tumor necrosis factor (TNF), an immune system regulatory protein that promotes inflammation, also helps regulate sensitivity to bitter taste. The finding may provide a mechanism to explain the taste system abnormalities and decreased food intake that can be associated with infections, autoimmune disorders, and chronic inflammatory diseases. In addition to its role in mediating inflammation, TNF has been implicated in the progression of varied diseases ranging from Alzheimer's disease to cancer.
"Reduced food intake and associated malnutrition is a significant concern that affects the long-term prognosis of many people who are very ill," said senior author Hong Wang, PhD, a molecular biologist at Monell. "Our findings reveal that bitter taste is regulated by the immune system. Wang's research focuses on interactions between the taste and immune systems, with the goal of identifying how taste cell function changes in disease states. Happify | Join. NextGenU.org The world's first portal to free, accredited, health education. Project Check - Home. 101 Uses for Coconut Oil.
Innovating Repairs. How to improve eyesight vision beyond 20/20 - Unique Method. Gut Bacteria Divide People Into 3 Types, Scientists Report. Cell. Heal Thyself.