T cells are useful in fighting against infections and diseases. A person's immune system depends on T cell production. Researchers have found that T cells benefit much from sunlight.
Sunlight produces vitamin D. However, aside from it, sunlight has more benefit for a person. This involves sunlight and a person's T cells. With sunlight, T cells move faster. This has been the result that came from a study made by Georgetown University Medical Center researchers.
Gerard Ahern, Ph.D. is the senior investigator of the study and an associate professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology. He has said that the blue light in sunlight makes T cells move faster. Blue light is also much safer than ultraviolet light.
Blue light can reach the dermis, the layer of skin that is just below the epidermis. T cells from the dermis can move throughout the body, as observed by Dr. Ahern. For the study the T cells used came from mouse cell culture as well from human blood.
T cells respond when blue light hits it because of a synthesis in hydrogen peroxide, according to the Georgetown University Medical Center's site. Once synthesis happens, this would then increase T cell movement. Hydrogen peroxide is found when white blood cells release it once an infection happens.
In the experiment, blue light helps in making T cells release hydrogen peroxide, which aids in making them move faster. Disease or infection also causes a release of hydrogen peroxide from white blood cells. Sunlight then aids in T cells moving fast to repair the damage done during an infection or disease.
So far there is still many studies that would be made on the impact of blue light on T cells. However, if blue light isn't harmful then there is the possibility that it can be recommended as therapy in aiding T cell formation, as Science Daily reports. Healing might become faster as well if blue light is involved.
The human body is very efficient in repairing damage caused by disease or infection. T cells help in that repair. T cells benefit from sunlight, which is essential in the healing process. Caring for others might also help for a longer life, as a study shows.
