L-theanine intervention enhances human gammadeltaT lymphocyte function.
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.
Bukowski
Jack F
JF
Division 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
Percival
Susan S
SS
D003139:Common Cold / Q000276:immunology; D005971:Glutamates / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000276:immunology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology*
D005971:Glutamates; C026166:theanine