L-theanine intervention enhances human gamma delta T lymphocyte function

• Published in: Nutrition reviews Vol. 66; no. 2; pp. 96 - 102
• Main Authors: Bukowski, Jack F, Percival, Susan S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.02.2008
• ISSN: 0029-6643
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2007.00013.x

Human gamma delta T lymphocytes are a subset of T cells and are a first line of defense against microbes and tumors. These gamma delta T cells can be primed by nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates, and certain short-chain alkylamines. These primed gamma delta T 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 gamma delta T cell function.