Training the Immune System to Fight Drug-Resistant Infections: A New Approach
A novel strategy to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance is showing promise. Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered a method of “training” the immune system to more effectively fight off drug-resistant infections, offering a potential alternative to traditional antibiotic-focused treatments.
How ‘Trained Immunity’ Works
The research, conducted at the Translational Medicine Institute at Trinity College Dublin, centers around a process called ‘trained immunity.’ Unlike antibiotics that target bacteria directly, this approach focuses on bolstering the body’s own defenses. Scientists are targeting immune cells, specifically macrophages, to enhance their ability to clear infections.
Macrophages are a type of white blood cell that engulfs and digests cellular debris, foreign substances, and pathogens. The team “trained” these macrophages using the immune protein IFN-gamma (IFN-γ). This process effectively “reprograms” the cells, enabling them to react faster, respond more strongly, and kill microbes more efficiently.1
Promising Results Against MRSA and Tuberculosis
The study demonstrated that trained macrophages were better equipped to kill dangerous bacteria responsible for diseases like Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and tuberculosis (TB).1 This is particularly significant because it tackles antimicrobial resistance by targeting the host immune system rather than the bacteria themselves, potentially offering a broader solution effective against a range of drug-resistant pathogens.
“This perform is particularly exciting because it tackles antimicrobial resistance by targeting the host rather than the bacteria, meaning it could be effective against a range of drug-resistant pathogens,” said Dr. Dearbhla Murphy, lead author of the study.1
Hope for Vulnerable Individuals
Importantly, the research showed that the training effect was observed even in cells from individuals who are typically more susceptible to infection, suggesting that immune training could strengthen responses in those most at risk.1
Researchers are now planning to recruit patients with tuberculosis and MRSA infections to further investigate whether they can train patients’ macrophages in a laboratory setting to improve bacterial killing.1
The Role of IFN-γ in Boosting Immunity
Dr. Sharee Basdeo, Assistant Professor in the School of Medicine at Trinity College, highlighted the crucial role of the innate immune response in fighting TB. “Our innate immune response is so crucial in the fight against TB. It dictates whether or not you become sick with the disease,” she explained.1
“This study is exciting because it shows that we can boost the function of a key innate immune cell – a macrophage – by training it with IFN-γ. This makes the macrophage faster and stronger at responding when it becomes infected.”1
Addressing the Global Threat of Tuberculosis
TB remains a significant global health challenge, causing over a million deaths annually. The rise of antibiotic-resistant TB further complicates treatment.1 The research team, based at the Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and the National TB Centre, is dedicated to developing immune-boosting therapies that can be used alongside antibiotics to combat drug-resistant infections.1
Further Research at Trinity Translational Medicine Institute
The Trinity Translational Medicine Institute (TTMI) conducts extensive research in immunology, inflammation, and infection, integrating basic science with clinical investigations.2 Research areas include molecular and cellular immunology, immunogenetics, and leukocyte migration.2
Read the study: IFN-γ-induced trained immunity enhances killing of priority pathogens in healthy and genetically vulnerable individuals – Journal of Clinical Investigation Insights.