ABSTRACT
Green tea polyphenols (GTPs) are composed of catechins and their derivatives, and are dominated quantitatively and in antioxidant capacity by epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg). e chemical structure and reactivity of catechins are described elsewhere in this volume. is chapter reviews the effect of catechins (GTPs) on strengthening immune function, beginning with brief mentions of earlier work on inhibitory function, and the role in autoimmunity for contrast and comparison, followed by a more in-depth review of function enhancement, and concluding with analysis of enhancement versus inhibition.
