HOMEPRODUCTSCOMPANYCONTACTFAQResearchDictionaryPharmaSign Up FREE or Login

Amino acids and immune function.

Abstract
A deficiency of dietary protein or amino acids has long been known to impair immune function and increase the susceptibility of animals and humans to infectious disease. However, only in the past 15 years have the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms begun to unfold. Protein malnutrition reduces concentrations of most amino acids in plasma. Findings from recent studies indicate an important role for amino acids in immune responses by regulating: (1) the activation of T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, natural killer cells and macrophages; (2) cellular redox state, gene expression and lymphocyte proliferation; and (3) the production of antibodies, cytokines and other cytotoxic substances. Increasing evidence shows that dietary supplementation of specific amino acids to animals and humans with malnutrition and infectious disease enhances the immune status, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality. Arginine, glutamine and cysteine precursors are the best prototypes. Because of a negative impact of imbalance and antagonism among amino acids on nutrient intake and utilisation, care should be exercised in developing effective strategies of enteral or parenteral provision for maximum health benefits. Such measures should be based on knowledge about the biochemistry and physiology of amino acids, their roles in immune responses, nutritional and pathological states of individuals and expected treatment outcomes. New knowledge about the metabolism of amino acids in leucocytes is critical for the development of effective means to prevent and treat immunodeficient diseases. These nutrients hold great promise in improving health and preventing infectious diseases in animals and humans.
AuthorsPeng Li, Yu-Long Yin, Defa Li, Sung Woo Kim, Guoyao Wu
JournalThe British journal of nutrition (Br J Nutr) Vol. 98 Issue 2 Pg. 237-52 (Aug 2007) ISSN: 0007-1145 [Print] England
PMID17403271 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S., Review)
Chemical References
  • Amino Acids
  • Amino Acids, Branched-Chain
  • Amino Acids, Sulfur
  • Antibodies
  • Cytokines
  • Dietary Proteins
Topics
  • Amino Acids (deficiency, immunology, metabolism)
  • Amino Acids, Branched-Chain (immunology, metabolism)
  • Amino Acids, Sulfur (immunology, metabolism)
  • Animals
  • Antibodies (immunology, metabolism)
  • Communicable Diseases (immunology)
  • Cytokines (immunology, metabolism)
  • Dietary Proteins (administration & dosage, immunology)
  • Humans
  • Immune System (immunology, metabolism)
  • Immunity (immunology)
  • Lymphocyte Activation (immunology)
  • Macrophages (immunology)
  • Nutrition Disorders (immunology)

Join CureHunter, for free Research Interface BASIC access!

Take advantage of free CureHunter research engine access to explore the best drug and treatment options for any disease. Find out why thousands of doctors, pharma researchers and patient activists around the world use CureHunter every day.
Realize the full power of the drug-disease research graph!


Choose Username:
Email:
Password:
Verify Password:
Enter Code Shown: