enzymecode
MENU Close Home About Us News Honor Contact Us Feedback
Current Position: Home > News >Phosphatidylserine enhances resistance
News

Phosphatidylserine enhances resistance

Time:2025-07-04

Phosphatidylserine (PS), a phospholipid widely present in cell membranes, has garnered increasing attention in recent years for its role in regulating immunity. By influencing immune cell function, modulating inflammatory responses, and maintaining immune homeostasis, it offers a new scientific perspective on enhancing the body’s resistance.

I. Regulating the Activity and Function of Immune Cells

The activation and proliferation of immune cells (such as T cells, B cells, and macrophages) are central to immune system function. Phosphatidylserine directly affects these cells by participating in cellular signal transduction and stabilizing membrane structures.

Activation and differentiation of T cells: T cells are key executors of specific immunity, and their activation depends on the binding of surface receptors to antigens and subsequent signal transmission. As an important component of cell membranes, phosphatidylserine maintains the spatial structure of T cell surface antigen-recognition receptors (e.g., TCR), promoting interactions between T cells and antigen-presenting cells (e.g., dendritic cells) to enhance T cell activation efficiency. Studies show that PS supplementation increases the proportion of CD4helper T cells in peripheral blood and promotes the secretion of cytokines such as interleukin-2 (IL-2), strengthening the initiation of immune responses.

Phagocytic and clearance capacity of macrophages: Macrophages exert innate immune functions by phagocytosing pathogens and aging cells, with their phagocytic ability relying on membrane fluidity and recognition capacity. Phosphatidylserine enhances macrophage recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (e.g., on bacteria or viruses) by regulating phospholipid components in their membranes. It also promotes the formation and fusion of intracellular phagosomes, improving clearance efficiency. Additionally, PS stimulates macrophages to secrete pro-inflammatory factors like tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), initiating early immune defense responses.

Cytotoxicity of NK cells: Natural killer (NK) cells serve as the "first line of defense" against viral infections and tumor cells, and their cytotoxic activity is associated with the expression of activating receptors on their membranes. Phosphatidylserine may enhance NK cell recognition and killing of abnormal cells by maintaining membrane stability, a regulatory role that is particularly significant in states of immune deficiency (e.g., chronic fatigue, aging).

II. Balancing Inflammatory Responses to Avoid Excessive Immune Activation

A healthy immune system depends not only on "attack power" but also on precise regulation of inflammationexcessive inflammation damages host tissues, while insufficient inflammation fails to clear pathogens. Phosphatidylserine plays a key role in this balance:

Inhibiting excessive inflammation: When the body encounters infection or injury, the immune system triggers an inflammatory response, but persistent chronic inflammation (e.g., caused by stress or metabolic disorders) disrupts immune function. Phosphatidylserine alleviates excessive inflammation by reducing the release of pro-inflammatory factors (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α) and promoting the secretion of anti-inflammatory factors (e.g., IL-10). For example, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute inflammation models, PS supplementation significantly reduces serum IL-6 levels in mice, mitigating tissue damage from inflammation.

Regulating immune metabolism: Immune cell activation requires substantial energy. Phosphatidylserine, as a component of mitochondrial membranes, may improve mitochondrial function to provide stable energy for immune cells, preventing dysregulation of inflammation due to energy metabolic imbalances. This role is particularly important when immune cells are chronically activated (e.g., during chronic infections), preventing functional decline caused by "energy exhaustion."

III. Countering Immune Stress to Enhance Resistance

The immune system is prone to dysfunction under sustained stress (e.g., high-intensity exercise, psychological stress, aging). Phosphatidylserine strengthens resistance by alleviating disturbances in the "immune-neuro-endocrine axis":

Combating stress-induced immune suppression: Chronic psychological stress or high-intensity exercise can overactivate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, elevating cortisol levels and inhibiting immune cell function (e.g., T cell proliferation, antibody production). Phosphatidylserine has been shown to reduce cortisol levels under stress, thereby mitigating immune suppression. For example, studies on athletes find that PS supplementation alleviates the decline in NK cell activity after intense training, reducing the risk of upper respiratory tract infections.

Improving age-related immune decline: With aging, immune cell function gradually deteriorates (e.g., thymic atrophy, reduced T cell diversity), weakening resistance in older adults. Phosphatidylserine may delay immunosenescence by promoting thymocyte maturation and T cell proliferation. Animal experiments show that PS-supplemented elderly mice exhibit significantly enhanced T cell proliferation in the spleen and reduced susceptibility to influenza viruses.

IV. Scientific Evidence and Application Prospects

The immune-regulatory role of phosphatidylserine is supported by numerous in vitro and animal studies, with human studies showing promising trends:

Research on healthy adults indicates that daily supplementation of 200300mg phosphatidylserine (plant or animal-derived) for 48 weeks increases immune cell activity in peripheral blood (e.g., T cell proliferation, NK cell cytotoxicity). It also reduces the incidence of common colds, especially during high-risk seasons like winter.

Its mechanisms are closely linked to its natural propertiesas an endogenous phospholipid, it binds naturally to immune cell membranes to regulate function without significant side effects (no adverse reactions observed at daily intakes 800mg).

However, PSs immune-regulatory effects vary individually, influenced by baseline immune status, age, and diet. Future research should clarify its optimal dosage and long-term effects in specific populations (e.g., immunocompromised individuals, the elderly). Nevertheless, existing evidence suggests it may serve as a nutritional intervention to enhance resistance, particularly for addressing immune decline caused by immune stress (e.g., intense training, psychological stress).