From the Guidelines
To increase CD8 and CD3 T cells, focus on a combination of lifestyle modifications and targeted interventions, prioritizing a balanced diet, regular moderate exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management, as these approaches support immune function and can help boost T cell counts and function. When considering how to increase these cell populations, it's essential to understand the role of CD8 and CD3 T cells in the immune system. CD8+ T-cells are T-suppressor/cytotoxic cells, and these are positive for both CD3 and CD8, as noted in guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1. Key lifestyle modifications include:
- Maintaining a balanced diet rich in protein, zinc, selenium, and vitamins A, C, D, and E, which support immune function.
- Engaging in regular moderate exercise, such as 30-45 minutes of activity, 4-5 times weekly, which has been shown to boost T cell counts and function.
- Ensuring adequate sleep, aiming for 7-9 hours nightly, and managing stress through techniques like meditation, yoga, or other relaxation methods, as chronic stress can suppress immune function. Specific supplements that may help include zinc (15-30mg daily), vitamin D3 (1000-2000 IU daily), and probiotics containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. For individuals with clinically low T cell counts, medical interventions like interleukin-2 therapy or immune-modulating medications might be prescribed by healthcare providers, as outlined in guidelines for the management of persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus 1. These approaches work by supporting thymic function, reducing oxidative stress, and creating an optimal physiological environment for T cell production and activation. Regular monitoring of immune parameters is crucial when actively trying to increase these cell populations.
From the Research
Increasing CD8 and CD3 Cells
To increase CD8 and CD3 cells, several nutrients and immune-boosting strategies can be considered:
- Vitamin C: Regular supplementation (1 to 2 g/day) has been shown to reduce the duration and severity of common colds 2, 3
- Vitamin D: Supplementation has been found to protect against common colds, particularly in individuals with vitamin D deficiency 2, 4
- Zinc: Supplementation may shorten the duration of colds by approximately 33% 2
- Echinacea: Prophylactic treatment with this extract (2400 mg/day) over 4 months appeared to be beneficial for preventing/treating common colds 2
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Have well-established immunomodulatory effects, with benefits in infectious disease 4
- Selenium: Has immunomodulatory effects and may help against COVID-19 4
CD8 and CD3 Cell Subsets
Specific subsets of CD8 and CD3 cells have been studied:
- CD3+CD8- T cells: Have been found to increase in the immune clearance stage of chronic HBV infection and correlate with the response of Peg-interferon treatment 5
- CD3+CD8+CD28- CD25+ T cells: Increase with age and have regulatory functions, with equivalent regulatory function in young and elderly donors 6