Title
L-theanine intervention enhances human gammadeltaT lymphocyte function
UMMS Affiliation
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Pathology
Date
2-8-2008
Document Type
Article
Medical Subject Headings
Common Cold; Glutamates; Humans; *Immunity, Cellular; Influenza, Human; Lymphocyte Activation; T-Lymphocyte Subsets
Disciplines
Life Sciences | Medicine and Health Sciences
Abstract
Human gammadeltaT lymphocytes are a subset of T cells and are a first line of defense against microbes and tumors. These gammadeltaT cells can be primed by nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates, and certain short-chain alkylamines. These primed gammadeltaT cells have an enhanced capacity to proliferate and to secrete cytokines upon ex vivo exposure to a wide variety of microbes and tumor cells. The largest dietary source of alkylamines is L-theanine, an amino acid unique to tea beverages that is catabolized to ethylamine. Supplementation of subjects with capsules containing L-theanine and catechins has recently been shown to decrease the incidence of cold and flu symptoms, while enhancing gammadeltaT cell function.
Rights and Permissions
Citation: Nutr Rev. 2008 Feb;66(2):96-102. Link to article on publisher's site