Enhancement of natural killer cell activity in healthy subjects by Immulina®, a Spirulina extract enriched for Braun-type lipoproteins.
Immulina®, a commercial extract of Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis is a potent activator of THP-1 monocytes and CD4+ T cells IN VITRO and enhances several immunological functions in mice. We further characterized Immulina® by determining that Braun-type lipoproteins are responsible for a major portion of the IN VITRO monocyte activation exhibited by this material. In order to understand the effect of Immulina® on NK cell activity, a pilot study was conducted on ten healthy North American individuals who supplemented their diet with Immulina® (400 mg/day) for seven days. We observed a 40% average increase in the killing of K562 tumor cells by NK cells (p < 0.01) after Immulina® supplementation. In a separate placebo-controlled, crossover study involving 11 healthy Danish subjects, we observed increased mRNA expression of the NK cell marker NKG2D by 37% (p = 0.02) and by 55% (p = 0.0003) after administration of Immulina® (200 mg and 400 mg per day, respectively) for seven days. The mRNA expression of the NK- and T-cell marker perforin increased by 75% (p = 0.008) after administration of 400 mg Immulina® per day. Both markers displayed significant dose-dependent effects (p = 0.0003 and p = 0.02, respectively). The ratio between CD56 (bright) and CD56 (dim) NK cells was not affected by Immulina® administration. In summary, two independent studies showed enhancement of NK cell activity following administration of Immulina® for seven days.
Nielsen
Claus Henrik
CH
Institute for Inflammation Research, Rigshospitalet National University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Balachandran
Premalatha
P
Christensen
Ole
O
Pugh
Nirmal D
ND
Tamta
Hemlata
H
Sufka
Kenneth J
KJ
Wu
Xiangmei
X
Walsted
Anette
A
Schjørring-Thyssen
Michelle
M
Enevold
Christian
C
Pasco
David S
DS
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000187:drug effects*; D004915:Leukemia, Erythroblastic, Acute / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000187:drug effects; D008074:Lipoproteins / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055655:NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D054353:Perforin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D012016:Reference Values; D053545:Spirulina / Q000737:chemistry*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes; D055815:Young Adult
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D015415:Biomarkers; D008074:Lipoproteins; D055655:NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K; D010936:Plant Extracts; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D054353:Perforin