Washington DC, April 10 -- The researchers at the University of Chicago have uncovered a surprising new role for zeaxanthin, a plant-based compound best known for supporting eye health.

According to findings published in Cell Reports Medicine, this common carotenoid may also help the immune system fight cancer by enhancing the activity of key immune cells.

The discovery points to zeaxanthin as a simple, widely available supplement that could improve how well cancer immunotherapies work.

"We were surprised to find that zeaxanthin, already known for its role in eye health, has a completely new function in boosting anti-tumor immunity," said Jing Chen, PhD, Janet Davison Rowley Distinguished Service Professor of Medicine and senior author...