Coenzyme Q10 and Immune Function: An Overview.

David Mantle,Iain P Hargreaves,Robert A Heaton

doi:10.3390/antiox10050759

David Mantle, Iain P Hargreaves + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10050759

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Abstract

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has a number of important roles in the cell that are required for optimal functioning of the immune system. These include its essential role as an electron carrier in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, enabling the process of oxidative phosphorylation to occur with the concomitant production of ATP, together with its role as a potential lipid-soluble antioxidant, protecting the cell against free radical-induced oxidation. Furthermore, CoQ10 has also been reported to have an anti-inflammatory role via its ability to repress inflammatory gene expression. Recently, CoQ10 has also been reported to play an important function within the lysosome, an organelle central to the immune response. In view of the differing roles CoQ10 plays in the immune system, together with the reported ability of CoQ10 supplementation to improve the functioning of this system, the aim of this article is to review the current literature available on both the role of CoQ10 in human immune function and the effect of CoQ10 supplementation on this system.

Highlights

When the benefits of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation are being promoted, activation of the immune system is invariably quoted; such statements are rarely supported by documentary evidence referenced from the peer-reviewed medical literature
In view of the ability of CoQ10 supplementation to enhance the activity of the immune cells, especially the B and T lymphocytes [14], as well as ameliorate the inflammatory response [47], it may be appropriate for use in a number of diseases of the immune system
When activation of the immune system is quoted as a benefit of CoQ10 supplementation, such statements are rarely supported by documentary evidence referenced from the peer-reviewed medical literature, necessitating a review of the type given in the present article

Summary

Introduction

When the benefits of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation are being promoted, activation of the immune system is invariably quoted; such statements are rarely supported by documentary evidence referenced from the peer-reviewed medical literature. The objective of this article is to review the current evidence in the literature for the role of CoQ10 in human immune function, including the benefits of CoQ10 supplementation in this new area of therapeutic utilization for CoQ10. The innate immune system is present and operational from birth, providing a rapid and non-specific first-line response to invading microorganisms. Subsequent to the innate response, the adaptive immune system may be activated, depending on the severity of infection. B lymphocytes produce antibodies to neutralise specific antigens, whereas T lymphocytes have a role in destroying infected host cells

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