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Expansion and Enrichment of Gamma-Delta (γδ) T Cells from Apheresed Human Product

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Published on: September 22, 2021

L-theanine intervention enhances human gammadeltaT lymphocyte function.

Jack F Bukowski¹, Susan S Percival

¹Division of Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA. jbukowski@rics.bwh.harvard.edu

Nutrition Reviews

|February 8, 2008

Summary

Dietary L-theanine enhances human gammadeltaT cell function, boosting immune defense against infections and tumors. This amino acid, found in tea, primes these crucial immune cells for improved responses.

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Area of Science:

Immunology
Cellular Biology
Nutritional Science

Background:

Human gammadeltaT lymphocytes are critical immune cells, acting as a first line of defense against pathogens and cancerous cells.
These lymphocytes can be activated by specific compounds like nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates and short-chain alkylamines.
Primed gammadeltaT cells exhibit increased proliferation and cytokine secretion when exposed to various microbes and tumor cells.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of L-theanine, a dietary alkylamine found in tea, in modulating gammadeltaT cell function.
To explore the potential of L-theanine supplementation in enhancing immune responses relevant to infectious diseases and cancer surveillance.

Main Methods:

The study focuses on the catabolism of L-theanine to ethylamine, a known priming agent for gammadeltaT cells.

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It examines the effects of L-theanine and catechin supplementation on gammadeltaT cell activity in human subjects.

Main Results:

Supplementation with L-theanine and catechins was associated with a reduced incidence of cold and flu symptoms.
The supplementation also demonstrated an enhancement of gammadeltaT cell function in the studied subjects.

Conclusions:

Dietary L-theanine, through its metabolite ethylamine, can prime gammadeltaT lymphocytes, thereby enhancing their immune capabilities.
L-theanine supplementation represents a potential nutritional strategy to bolster innate immunity against infections and potentially tumors.