Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell involved in the immune response. High or low levels of lymphocytes can indicate infection, autoimmune disorders, or other health problems.
Alanine is another amino acid that can be used as an energy substrate by lymphocytes. Alterations in alanine availability may impact lymphocyte metabolism.
References
Xiaohui Li, Chunxue Wang, Huan Zhang, Xiaoyan Ding, Xiaohong Wang, Jianbo Zhou, Shuang Liu, Hongbin Chen, Yongxin Wu, Jun Zhao, Yongping Du, Qian Dong, Qingfeng Li, Jian Wang. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and aspartate-to-alanine aminotransferase ratios predict hepatocellular carcinoma prognosis after transarterial chemoembolization. NCBI (2017). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5690744/Takuma Kobayashi, Yuki Matsuzawa, Yusuke Nakamura, Hiroshi Saito, Masahiro Koyama, Yasuhiro Izumi, Tadashi Ishii, Hiroshi Tanaka, Hiroshi Yatsuzuka. The Associations Between Alanine Aminotransferase and Other Clinical Parameters in a General Population. NCBI (2022). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9988735/
Arginine is important for lymphocyte proliferation and is metabolized to immune-modulating compounds like nitric oxide. Arginine changes can affect lymphocyte function.
Glutamine is an important fuel source for rapidly dividing lymphocytes and supports lymphocyte proliferation and function. Low glutamine levels may impair lymphocyte activity.
Glycine has anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective properties that may help modulate lymphocyte activation and survival under stress conditions.
References
M. Cruz, C. Maldonado-Bernal, R. Mondragón-Gonzalez, et al.. Glycine treatment decreases proinflammatory cytokines and increases interferon-γ in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Journal of Endocrinological Investigation (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03346417
Methionine is required for lymphocyte proliferation and its deficiency has been shown to impair lymphocyte responses. Methionine status may influence lymphocyte numbers.
Tryptophan catabolism via the kynurenine pathway in lymphocytes can modulate inflammation and immune function. Changes in tryptophan levels may influence lymphocyte activity.