When macrophages ingest dead bacteria, they recycle small molecules that help promote a controlled immune response, reducing unnecessary inflammation.

Co-senior author Angelo D'Alessandro emphasized the importance of understanding the natural mechanisms regulating immune responses, especially given the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Researchers discovered that macrophages, a type of immune cell, convert consumed bacteria into essential nutrients for protein building and energy, rather than storing them as previously thought.

D'Alessandro also highlighted that the nutrients macrophages consume directly influence their composition and function, stating, 'We are what we eat.'

A recent study led by the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, published on February 26, 2025, in the journal Nature, reveals groundbreaking insights into the behavior of immune cells.

These findings are particularly significant as chronic inflammation is linked to various health issues, including cancer, long COVID, chronic fatigue syndrome, and shingles.

The study identified the mTORC1 protein complex as a key regulator of how macrophages utilize these nutrients, which is crucial for controlling inflammation.

The implications of this research could pave the way for new therapies aimed at managing inflammation, particularly in the context of increasing antibiotic resistance.

Overall, the study sheds light on the mechanisms of inflammation and nutrient utilization in macrophages, offering potential pathways for therapeutic development.

Interestingly, the research shows that while eating live bacteria triggers an inflammatory response in macrophages, consuming dead bacteria activates molecular signals that indicate inflammation is unnecessary.

This study reflects a collaborative international effort, with co-authors from CU Anschutz, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and the University of Bordeaux in France.