Freshly isolated CD8+ T cells, but not CD4+ T cells, contained 20–30% of asialo GM1+ (ASGM1+) T cells which were distinct from ASGM1+NK1.1+ natural killer cells. This novel ASGM1+CD8+ T cell subpopulation showed a strong proliferative response to interlenkin‐12 (IL‐12) in the presence of IL‐2. Culture of ASGM1+CD8+ T cells with IL‐12 plus IL‐2 allowed the generation of anomalous killer T cells concomitantly with the accumulation of cytolytic molecules. Moreover, ASGM1+CD8+ T cells produced high levels of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), but not IL‐4, upon stimulation with IL‐12 plus IL‐2. Such immune responses were not observed in ASGM1− CD8+ T cell snbpopulations constituting the majority of CD8+ T cells. These results demonstrated that ASGM1+CD8+ T cells are a novel subpopulation of IL‐12‐responsive and IFN‐γ‐producing killer T cell precursors.

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In recent years, attention has focused on the roles of phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables in maintaining and improving the intestinal environment and preventing metabolic syndrome. A high-fat and high-sugar diet, lack of exercise, and excess energy accumulation in the body can cause metabolic syndrome and induce obesity, diabetes, and disorders of the circulatory system and liver. Therefore, the prevention of metabolic syndrome is important. The current review shows that the simultaneous intake of phytochemicals contained in citruses and grapes together with vitamin D improves the state of gut microbiota and immunity, preventing metabolic syndrome and related diseases. Phytochemicals contained in citruses include polyphenols such as hesperidin, rutin, and naringin; those in grapes include quercetin, procyanidin, and oleanolic acid. The intake of these phytochemicals and vitamin D, along with prebiotics and probiotics, nurture good gut microbiota. In general, Firmicutes are obese-prone gut microbiota and Bacteroidetes are lean-prone gut microbiota; good gut microbiota nurture regulatory T cells, which suppress inflammatory responses and upregulate immunity. Maintaining good gut microbiota suppresses TNF-α, an inflammatory cytokine that is also considered to be a pathogenic contributor adipokine, and prevents chronic inflammation, thereby helping to prevent metabolic syndrome. Maintaining good gut microbiota also enhances adiponectin, a protector adipokine that prevents metabolic syndrome. For the prevention of metabolic syndrome and the reduction of various disease risks, the intake of phytochemicals and vitamin D will be important for human health in the future.

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