Sheba’s Mitochondrial Research Unlocks Immune System Secrets

Led by Dr. Tal Yardeni, Head of the Mitochondrial Research Lab, this work explores how natural mitochondrial variations shape immune cell performance against infections, cancer, and other diseases.

Understanding Mitochondrial Immune Influence

Dr. Yardeni’s team examines how subtle differences in healthy mitochondrial function affect immune responses. In mouse models, even minor mitochondrial changes have shown significant impacts on immune strength. “Our goal is to use this knowledge to develop therapies that work with the body’s own immune system,” Dr. Yardeni explains. “By identifying disease-specific mitochondrial patterns, the research aims to boost immune effectiveness across cancer, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions.”

Cancer Resistance Breakthroughs

This mitochondrial focus has sparked collaboration with Prof. Yaacov Lawrence, Chair of the Benjamin Davidai Department of Radiation Oncology. Their joint work investigates why certain cancers, like pancreatic tumors, resist radiation despite high doses.

“We believe their resistance is linked to how these cancer cells produce and use energy, essentially through their mitochondrial metabolism,” says Prof. Lawrence.

Mitochondria fuel DNA repair processes that help cancer cells survive radiation damage. The team also studies how mitochondrial activity controls apoptosis, the body’s natural cell death mechanism. In cancer cells, this process often fails, allowing uncontrolled growth. Understanding these mitochondrial pathways could restore apoptosis and enhance radiotherapy success.

Future Immune Therapies

With major new grants, the Mitochondrial Research Lab is accelerating efforts to map molecular links between mitochondria and immunity. Dr. Yardeni and Prof. Lawrence share a vision: harnessing the body’s innate defenses to create next-generation treatments for cancer and immune-related diseases.