Creatine is a popular supplement that athletes use to get stronger. New research from UCLA suggests it might also help the immune system attack cancer.
The study, published in iScience, found that creatine makes dendritic cells work better. Dendritic cells are special immune cells that find tumors and tell killer T cells to destroy them. Experiments with mice and human cells showed this effect.
Creatine May Make Cancer Immunotherapy Work Better
Most cancer immunotherapies try to activate killer T cells, but only 20‑40% of patients see big benefits. UCLA scientists think that if dendritic cells are stronger, more patients could respond to treatment.
How Creatine Affects Dendritic Cells
Researchers looked at genes that control metabolism in dendritic cells that had entered tumors in mice. They saw that the gene for the creatine transporter – the protein that lets cells take in creatine – was much more active in tumor‑infiltrating dendritic cells than in healthy ones.
When the team removed this transporter, the dendritic cells could not absorb creatine. Those cells survived less, were less active, and could not teach T cells to recognize cancer. In lab tests, T cells grown with creatine‑deficient dendritic cells multiplied slower and released fewer signaling molecules.
Creatine Slowed Tumor Growth in Mice
Next, scientists gave mice daily injections of creatine. In mice with melanoma, tumors grew more slowly, and more active dendritic cells entered the tumors. The treated cells also released chemicals that attracted other immune cells.
Metabolomics tests showed that creatine raised the amount of ATP inside dendritic cells. ATP is the main energy source for cells. With more energy, dendritic cells kept the inflammation signals they need to stay active.
The researchers compared creatine to a rechargeable battery that lets dendritic cells store and use energy even when tumors compete for nutrients.
Possible Help for Cancer Vaccines
In lab experiments with human cells, creatine improved the activation of human dendritic cells that are often used to make cancer vaccines. These boosted cells also helped T cells respond better to a cancer‑related target.
Adding creatine during vaccine production might make the vaccines work stronger.
What Comes Next
The findings suggest creatine could support the immune system at several steps: first spotting cancer, then signaling other cells, and finally helping T cells kill tumors.
Human Trials Are Still Needed
All the work so far is in mice and lab‑grown human cells, not real patients. Creatine supplements are generally safe when taken as directed, but anyone undergoing cancer treatment should talk to a doctor before adding any supplement.
Future clinical trials will test whether creatine can improve outcomes for people receiving immunotherapy.
The study was funded by several UCLA research programs and a grant from the Magnolia Council. A patent related to this approach has been filed by UCLA.