VOL.198 NOVEMBER 2024
JAPANESE RAMEN AND ITS GLOBAL EXPANSION
[SCIENCE ＆ TECHNOLOGY] “L. lactis strain Plasma” Activate Immune System Leader Cells
The human body’s immune system fights off bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that invade the body from the outside. A team of researchers at the KIRIN Group, a beverage manufacturer, has become the first in the world to discover and report on lactic acid bacteria that activate immune system leader cells, effectively boosting the immune system as a whole. This article presents the beneficial properties of lactic bacteria called “L. lactis strain Plasma (LC-Plasma).”
Photo: KIRIN
Various infectious diseases have impacted the world and caused human suffering since ancient times. Taking effective action against the bacteria and viruses that cause such infectious diseases is one of the challenges facing humanity. Some antibiotics and antiviral drugs are effective, but they cannot deal with all pathogens. On the other hand, the human body is equipped with an immune system in which immune cells fight pathogenic bacteria or viruses that invade the body, and defend against infection. There is a type of specialized immune cell called the plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) that effectively act as immune cell leaders, directing their many subordinate immune cells into action. Lactic acid bacteria have long been known to activate immune cells, but the prevailing theory was that their effect was limited to only some immune cells.
However, a team of researchers at the KIRIN Group turned their attention to the power of lactic acid bacteria, which are known to have numerous health-promoting benefits, such as activating immune function and improving the intestinal environment. Specifically, they reasoned that if the effect of lactic acid bacteria could directly activate pDC as the leaders of immune cells in the human body, it might be possible to prevent infectious diseases effectively. Based on this premise, they began research in 2008 to overturn the established theory.
The research team conducted a series of experiments in which more than 100 strains of lactic acid bacteria were added to isolated* pDC to meticulously examine whether and how much interferon alpha** was produced*** by the action of the bacteria. Then, in 2010, they discovered LC-Plasma that promote high production of interferon alpha. For this discovery and the successful commercialization of food products containing LC-Plasma, the research team received the 2024 Commendation for Science and Technology by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
Difference in the effect of common and LC-Plasma on human immune cells (four types, antiviral effect)
Material provided by KIRIN
• NK cells: Kill a wide range of abnormal cells
• Killer T cells: Kill virus-infected cells
• B cells: Produce antibodies against viruses
• Helper T cells: Assist the work of killer T cells and B cells
LC-Plasma have one remarkable characteristic that differentiates them from other lactic acid bacteria. While other lactic acid bacteria have almost no immune-enhancing effect unless they reach the large intestine alive after oral ingestion, LC-Plasma , whether alive or not, act directly on pDC and stimulate the production of interferon alpha when absorbed in the small intestine. This makes it much easier to produce foods containing LC-Plasma. In other words, because the effect can be obtained without live bacteria, LC-Plasma can be added to a wide range of foods at room temperature, without the need for storage at low temperatures, as is the case with yogurt, a typical example of conventional lactic acid bacteria food. As a result, the KIRIN Group and its partner companies have added LC-Plasma to a variety of products such as teas, vegetable juices and other beverages, and dietary supplements, and have already launched 59 products (as of November 2024) on the market. In addition to eliminating the need for temperature control, production is relatively inexpensive, making it possible to expand into developing countries afflicted with infectious diseases. The company has already begun full-scale business development of LC-Plasma-added foods in Vietnam and other countries.
Adding plasma lactic acid bacteria to pDC triggers their activation. As evidence of this, and as suggested by the name “dendritic,” which literally means “branching like a tree,” pDC develop tree-like protrusions (photo on the right).
Material provided by KIRIN
The effect of LC-Plasma is also attracting a great deal of attention from the standpoint of preventive medicine. As the birthrate declines and the population ages, it is essential to block the pathogens of infectious and other diseases by boosting natural immunity in order to extend healthy life expectancy. Great hopes are placed on the power of LC-Plasma to help curb the burden of medical costs and realize a society with a healthy and long life expectancy.
* Isolation is a process that involves separating of specific cells, genes, proteins, etc., from living organisms or biological tissues.
** A type of glycoprotein that is produced within an organism’s immune cells and has been recognized for its effect in the inhibition of viral replication.
*** Production is the process of synthesis and generation of substances in cells.
By FUKUDA Mitsuhiro
Photo: KIRIN; PIXTA
