Nutritional Modulation of the Microbiome and Immune Response

Abstract

The evolution of the immune system, diet, and the microbiome are interconnected. Dietary metabolites modulate the cells of the immune system both directly and indirectly via shifts in the composition of the intestinal microbiota and its products. As a result, overconsumption and malnutrition can have substantial effects on immune responses and inflammation. In resource-rich nations, diets high in processed foods, fat, and sugar can contribute to chronic inflammatory conditions, which are on the rise worldwide. Conversely, in resource-poor countries, malnutrition associated with food insecurity can lead to immunodeficiencies and shifts in the microbiome that drive intestinal inflammation. Developing a deeper understanding of the relationship between diet, microbiota, and the immune system is of huge importance, given its impact on inflammatory diseases and its potential as an easily modifiable mediator of immunomodulation.

Nutritional Components in Western Diet Versus Mediterranean Diet at the Gut Microbiota–Immune System Interplay. Implications for Health and Disease

“…However, it is important to understand that these changes should not be ascribed to certain foods or macronutrients, but to the entire diet composition, along with a higher consumption of plant-based sources [ 168 , 169 ]. Thus, malnutrition in occidental countries contributes to a state of chronic inflammation and metabolic problems, whereas the typical undernourishment of underdeveloped countries leads to nutritional deficits, and therefore immunodeficiencies [ 170 ].…”

The Key Differences between Human Papillomavirus-Positive and -Negative Head and Neck Cancers: Biological and Clinical Implications

“…The human microbiome is the ecological system of commensal, symbiotic, and pathogenic microorganisms inhabiting our bodies [105]. Recent studies have shown that changes in microorganism species in the microbiome, despite many of them being commensal, contribute to host immune dysregulation and carcinogenesis [106][107][108][109]. Identification and exploration of the interplay between microorganisms and the human host may provide new insights to a novel treatment axis.…”

Gut microbiome, Vitamin D, ACE2 interactions are critical factors in immune-senescence and inflammaging: key for vaccine response and severity of COVID-19 infection

“…There is normal physiological mucosal turn over and shedding, intermittent luminal trauma from ingested food, loss of integrity of cell junctions which releases additional antigens. The immune cells constantly sample food antigens, pathobiont, such as other non-commensal bacteria, viruses and other foreign peptides [37,38]. The gut epithelium along with the immune cells produces protective factors, such as secretory IgA, α-Defensins, antimicrobial peptides and mucus.…”