Incorporating the immune system in feeding strategies -Effects of protein

摘要

It is generally accepted that protein, or more precisely amino acids have a significant influence on immune response. Activation of the immune system - especially in the case of an innate immune response - results in increased skeletal muscle catabolism and, concomitantly, an increase in protein synthesis by the liver and spleen. This repartitioning of amino acids from growth towards immunity reflects a need for amino acids for the production of acute phase proteins involved in the host defense. Thecomposition of skeletal muscle in amino acids being different from that of the acute phase proteins a logical rearrangement in priority of amino acid requirements takes place. Supplementary effects of individual amino acids on the immune responsiveness must thus primarily be evaluated in light of the amino acid make up of the innate immune system. An ideal protein system forthe innate immune system - or parts thereof - may be a concrete opportunity to define what amino acid supply would best meet immune system requirements and thus enhance its function. However, at present the ideal amino acid balance for this purpose remains poorly defined and for the moment trials with individual amino acids or limited combinations of amino acids provides only general direction.