Kirin Innovates Non-Invasive Method to Measure Immune Status

Kirin has unveiled promising research indicating a potential breakthrough in measuring immune status through urine tests. Traditionally, assessing plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) activity relies on invasive blood sampling and specialized equipment. The findings suggest a significant step towards developing a non-invasive method that could simplify this process.

The study involved a cohort of 223 Japanese individuals aged between 51 and 55 years. Researchers conducted blood tests to identify 40 participants with varying levels of pDC activity. They then analyzed over 7,000 urinary proteins from the urine samples of these individuals. The results revealed that those with high pDC activity exhibited significantly increased levels of immune-related proteins, including immunoglobulin A (IgA). This antibody plays a critical role in defending the body against viruses and bacteria.

Kirin’s research identified a total of 115 proteins that correlate with pDC activity. Notably, individuals with elevated pDC activity had higher concentrations of IgA compared to those with lower activity levels. “The findings of this study suggest the potential for developing a non-invasive method to evaluate immune activity via pDC activity,” said a representative from Kirin. “We will conduct further investigations to develop a simple service for visualizing immune status.”

The research was presented at the 21st Annual Meeting of the Japanese Association for Food Immunology (JAFI), which took place from October 2 to 3. This event highlights the growing interest in the intersection of nutrition and immune health.

Understanding pDCs is vital as they play a crucial role in activating various immune cells, including natural killer (NK) cells, T cells, and B cells. Kirin’s ongoing research focuses on the factors influencing pDC activity, including its association with frailty in elderly populations. Previous studies indicated that frail elderly individuals show a reduced percentage of pDCs that produce interferon-alpha (IFN-α), a protein essential for the immune response to viral infections.

Kirin has also harnessed its findings on pDC activity to develop a line of health supplements and functional foods featuring LC-plasma, a strain of Lactococcus lactis. This postbiotic is designed to support the immune system by enhancing pDC function. In 2020, LC-plasma became the first functional food ingredient in Japan to receive recognition from the Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) for making immune health claims.

Other companies in Japan, such as Morinaga Milk, have also begun exploring the role of pDCs in immune health, with their research into lactoferrin supplementation indicating its potential to maintain pDC activity.

Kirin’s innovative approach to measuring immune status could pave the way for more accessible health assessments, offering valuable insights to both individuals and healthcare providers about immune functionality. As research progresses, the impact on public health may be significant, especially in understanding and addressing immune-related health issues.