Adrenaline receptors, long known for their role in the “fight or flight” response, also govern the daily timing of immune cell activity, according to a new study published September 4, 2025. Researchers discovered that these receptors directly influence the cyclical behavior of T cells, critical components of the body’s defense against infection.The finding offers a potential new target for therapies designed to optimize immune responses, particularly for conditions where timing is crucial, such as autoimmune diseases or chronic infections.
The study, which pinpointed a molecular mechanism linking adrenaline signaling to the circadian clock in T cells, reveals why infections frequently enough worsen or improve at specific times of day.Understanding this connection could lead to strategies for administering immunotherapies at peak effectiveness or for modulating the immune system to better combat pathogens. This research impacts anyone susceptible to infection, those with autoimmune disorders, and developers of immune-based treatments. Further investigation will focus on translating these findings into clinical applications.
The research team found that the adrenaline receptor, specifically, regulates the expression of genes involved in T cell function, creating a daily rhythm in their ability to respond to threats.This rhythm isn’t simply a correlation; the receptor directly drives the cyclical changes. Disrupting the receptor’s activity altered the timing of the T cell response, demonstrating its causal role.
“We’ve known for some time that the immune system is influenced by circadian rhythms, but this study identifies a key molecular player-the adrenaline receptor-that connects these two systems,” said a researcher involved in the study. “This opens up exciting possibilities for manipulating the immune response by targeting this receptor.”
Citation: Adrenaline receptor helps set daily rhythm for T cell infection response,study finds (2025,September 4) retrieved 4 September 2025 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-adrenaline-receptor-daily-rhythm-cell.html
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