Amino acids and immune function

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…

• UD
  U.S. Department of Agriculture
• TT
  Texas Tech University
• CA
  Chinese Academy of Sciences

  Award: 30671517
• NI
  National Institutes of Health
• CS
  Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
• NK
  National Key Research and Development Program of China

  Award: 2004CB117502