Immunoregulatory Effects of L-Arginine and Therapeutical Implications

Title: Immunoregulatory Effects of L-Arginine and Therapeutical Implications

Volume: 1 Issue: 1

Author(s): M. A. Potenza, C. Nacci and D. Mitolo-Chieppa

Affiliation:

Keywords: Immunoregulatory Effects, L-Arginine, cell-mediated immunity, Macrophage Phagocytosis, Tumoricidal Activity

Abstract: Arginine, initially classified as a non-essential amino acid, participates to multiple biological processes including release of several hormones, collagen synthesis during wound healing, antitumor and antibacterial activities and non-specific immunity. Nitric oxide synthase and arginase competes for L-arginine as a substrate and this event appears to play a key role in the regulation of the inflammatory process. In this framework recent studies have identified complex patterns of interactions among these enzymes. This review will emphasizes some effects of L-arginine on immune cell functions, including triggering of L-arginine-nitric oxide and arginase pathways, its biological properties and therapeutical applications.

Cite this article as:

Potenza A. M., Nacci C. and Mitolo-Chieppa D., Immunoregulatory Effects of L-Arginine and Therapeutical Implications, Current Drug Targets - Immune, Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders 2001; 1 (1) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1568005310101010067