The researchers used computer modeling to predict which components of cigarette smoke might be recognized by MR1 and found that several of these molecules not only bound to the protein but also ...

First author Wael Awad, PhD and colleagues reported their results in Journal of Experimental Medicine, in a paper titled “Cigarette smoke components modulate the MR1-MAIT axis.” The research ...

"Overall, our study reveals that components of cigarette smoke can bind to the protein MR1 and reduce the functions of protective immune cells called MAIT cells.

“While we know that smoke from cigarettes, bushfires, cooking, vehicle exhausts and burning waste pose significant health risks, we still surprisingly know relatively little about how the specific ...