Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have found that high consumption of sucralose, an artificial sweetener, can lower T-cell activation in mice, which is vital for immune function. While normal dietary intake is considered safe, these findings suggest the potential for therapeutic applications in autoimmune diseases, where high doses might help suppress overactive T-cells. The study, supported by Cancer Research UK and published in Nature, revealed that mice given doses of sucralose—equivalent to recommended daily limits—were less responsive to cancer or infection. The researchers observed that sucralose affected intracellular calcium release during T-cell stimulation, dampening their functionality, but did not impact other immune cells. The implications of these findings could lead to tailored dietary treatments to manage autoimmune conditions. Senior researcher Karen Vousden emphasized the need for further investigation to determine if these effects translate to humans. However, they reassured that normal consumption levels of sucralose are not harmful. Future studies will explore the sweetener’s effects on other cell types and its potential role in combination therapies. Overall, the research opens avenues for using sucralose in higher therapeutic doses to benefit patients with autoimmune disorders.
