The Influence of Nutritional Factors on Immunological Outcomes

Abstract

Through food intake, humans obtain a variety of nutrients that are essential for growth, cellular function, tissue development, energy, and immune defense. A special interaction between nutrients and gut-associated lymphoid tissue occurs in the intestinal tract. Enterocytes of the intestinal barrier act as sensors for antigens from nutrients and the intestinal microbiota, which they deliver to the underlying immune system of the lamina propria, triggering an immune response. Studies investigating the mechanism of influence of nutrition on immunological outcomes have highlighted an important role of macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, fatty acids) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, antioxidants, probiotics) in modulating immune homeostasis. Nutrients exert their role in innate immunity and inflammation by regulating the expression of TLRs, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, thus interfering with immune cell crosstalk and signaling. Chemical substrates derived from nutrient metabolism may act as cofactors or blockers of enzymatic activity, influencing molecular pathways and chemical reactions associated with microbial killing, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Immune cell function appears to be influenced by certain nutrients that form parts of the cell membrane structure and are involved in energy production and prevention of cytotoxicity. Nutrients also contribute to the initiation and regulation of adaptive immune responses by modulating B and T lymphocyte differentiation, proliferation and activation, and antibody production. The purpose of this review is to present the available data from the field of nutritional immunology to elucidate the complex and dynamic relationship between nutrients and the immune system, the delineation of which will lead to optimized nutritional regimens for disease prevention and patient care.

L-Tryptophan Differentially Regulated Glucose and Amino Acid Transporters in the Small Intestine of Rat Challenged with Lipopolysaccharide

“…Inflammation of the intestine induced by infection and weaning stress not only leads to immune response but also affects the gut barrier and nutrient transport and absorption [ 21 ]. This, in turn, affects the outcomes of immunity-related gut function in the presence of inflammation [ 22 ]. Levels of endotoxins such as LPS from the cell walls of Gram-negative bacteria are relatively low in the blood of healthy humans and animals; however, increasing numbers of these bacteria in the blood during states of gut inflammation can cause tissue damage and nutrient malabsorption in the intestine [ 23 ].…”

Emerging cellular senescence-centric understanding of immunological aging and its potential modulation through dietary bioactive components

“…However, dietary nutritional components including bioactive phytochemicals and probiotic microorganisms can strongly influence multiple aspects of the immune system. Studies have demonstrated that modulation of the immune functions by dietary factors can favorably influence the proliferation, activation, and efficacy of the immune system (Barrea et al 2021 ; Childs et al 2019 ; Tourkochristou et al 2021 ). In particular, the role of food components in modulating the immune response for the mitigation of infectious agents including COVID-19 (Mrityunjaya et al 2020 ; Tomas et al 2022 ), food-borne contaminants (Pan et al 2020 ), inflammatory disorders (Sung et al 2018 ), and cancer immunotherapy (Soldati et al 2018 ; Spencer et al 2021 ) have been documented.…”

The effects of nutrition bio-shield superfood powder on immune system function: A clinical trial study among patients with COVID-19

“…Moreover, it was issued by the Turkish ministry of agriculture and forestry. Herbal medicines are natural, so they appear to cause fewer side effects ( 15 , 17 ). NBS has various health benefits and may be used as a good therapeutic target in patients with COVID-19.…”