Tak Wah Mak - Neuro-immune Modulations in Health and Diseases

Professor Mak described the impact of metabolism and neuro-immune modulations on tumorigenesis and cancer therapy. Many isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations have been identified in multiple tumor types. The mutations create an “oncometabolite” 2-hyroxyglutarate. This metabolite can modify cellular metabolism and epigenetics. Based on previous studies and hypotheses, Mak's team discovered that acetylcholine is produced by T cells and can influence infections, autoimmune diseases and cancer development, suggesting that immunity and neuronal signals may be linked physiologically. These findings emphasize the importance of metabolism and neurotransmission in governing immunity and physiology.