Consumption of wheat bran results in improved γδ T cell proliferation in humans

γδ T cells, a first line of defense against microbes, are known to be modified by certain dietary compounds. Our objective was to determine if wheat bran, consumed as a cereal, is able to prime γδ T cells such that they proliferate more efficiently after stimulation with an antigen. 18 males and 25 females with an average age of 26.4 years participated by consuming either one or two servings of wheat bran each day for 3 wks. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and cultured with γδ T cell antigen (PHA‐L), IL‐15 and IL‐2 for 10 days. The number of γδ T cells was quantified by flow cytometry. Consuming wheat bran resulted in the ability of γδ T cells to proliferate better (in culture) resulting in 30% more γδ T cells after consuming wheat bran compared to before consumption. Since γδ T cells are prevalent in the intestine, priming may occur regardless of whether or not the compounds are absorbed. These data suggest that there are compounds in wheat bran that prime γδ T cells. Funding provided by the Kellogg Corporate Citizenship Fund and AES, UF.