Immune system modulation via arginine supplementation

Immune system modulation via arginine supplementation refers to the strategy of influencing immune function by increasing the availability of L-arginine, a semi-essential amino acid essential for protein synthesis, nitric oxide production, and immune cell function. Arginine supports T-cell proliferation, natural killer cell activity, and cytokine production through its role as a substrate for nitric oxide synthase and arginase enzymes, which are central to immune cell metabolism. Arginine depletion is associated with immune suppression, whereas supplementation can boost immune function and has been explored for the treatment of cancer, infections, wound healing, and critical illness. However, as an intervention, not a specific molecular target, effects are context-dependent and may pose safety concerns, especially relating to NO-mediated vascular effects and potential support for certain tumor types.

Other names

Arginine supplementation in immune modulationL-arginine immunomodulationArginine immune system boost

Enhancement of T-cell and NK-cell activity; Promotion of pro-inflammatory cytokine production; Increase in nitric oxide synthesis; Modulation of arginase and NOS activity in myeloid cells; Regulation of immune cell proliferation and function