Abstract
T Cells![Figure][1] Sleep promotes T cell adhesion, which helps the clearance of pathogens. PHOTO: WAVEBREAKMEDIA LTD UC25/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO Sleep does wonders for our overall health. The benefits include a lower risk for heart disease, reduced stress, weight management, and improved mood. Dimitrov et al. uncover how a good night's sleep helps us heal faster from infection. T cells are immune cells that attach to invading viruses and mark them for destruction. The researchers found that integrins—the glue-like proteins used by T cells to stick to pathogens—are more activated when we sleep. In awake individuals, signaling molecules belonging to the Gαs-coupled receptor agonist family (for example, adrenaline) were produced at greater levels. These molecules have an antistick effect, inhibit integrin production, and reduce the ability of T cells to attach to invading microbes. J. Exp. Med. 216 , 517 (2019). [1]: pending:yes
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