L-theanine intervention enhances human γδ T lymphocyte function

Human γδ T lymphocytes are a subset of T cells and are a first line of defense against microbes and tumors. These γδ T cells can be primed by nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates, and certain short-chain alkylamines. These primed γδ T cells have an enhanced capacity to proliferate and to secrete cyto...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nutrition reviews 2008-02, Vol.66 (2), p.96-102
Main Authors: Bukowski, J.F, Percival, S.S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
anticarcinogenic activity
antigen detection
Biological and medical sciences
cold
dietary nutrient sources
disease prevention
Feeding. Feeding behavior
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
gamma delta T cells
gamma-delta T-lymphocytes
General pharmacology
green tea
humans
immune system
influenza
innate immunity
literature reviews
Medical sciences
nutrition
nutritional intervention
Pharmacognosy. Homeopathy. Health food
Pharmacology. Drug treatments
T-lymphocytes
tea (beverage)
theanine
Vertebrates: anatomy and physiology, studies on body, several organs or systems
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Summary:Human γδ T lymphocytes are a subset of T cells and are a first line of defense against microbes and tumors. These γδ T cells can be primed by nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates, and certain short-chain alkylamines. These primed γδ T 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 γδ T cell function.
ISSN:0029-6643
1753-4887
DOI:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2007.00013.x