The relationship between nutrition and the immune system

Abstract

Nutrition plays an essential role in the regulation of optimal immunological response, by providing adequate nutrients in sufficient concentrations to immune cells. There are a large number of micronutrients, such as minerals, and vitamins, as well as some macronutrients such as some amino acids, cholesterol and fatty acids demonstrated to exert a very important and specific impact on appropriate immune activity. This review aims to summarize at some extent the large amount of data accrued to date related to the modulation of immune function by certain micro and macronutrients and to emphasize their importance in maintaining human health. Thus, among many, some relevant case in point examples are brought and discussed: (1) The role of vitamin A/all-trans-retinoic-acids (ATRA) in acute promyelocytic leukemia, being this vitamin utilized as a very efficient therapeutic agent via effective modulation of the immune function (2) The involvement of vitamin C in the fight against tumor cells via the increase of the number of active NK cells. (3) The stimulation of apoptosis, the suppression of cancer cell proliferation, and delayed tumor development mediated by calcitriol/vitamin D by means of immunity regulation (4) The use of selenium as a cofactor to reach more effective immune response to COVID vaccination (5). The crucial role of cholesterol to regulate the immune function, which is demonstrated to be very sensitive to the variations of this macronutrient concentration. Other important examples are reviewed as well.

The relationship between triglyceride, cholesterol and lipoprotein levels, and immune responses to hepatitis B vaccine

“…Cholesterol homeostasis is critical for the maintenance of cellular and body activities, and is controlled by a series of rigorous regulatory mechanisms ( 32 ). Besides, the cholesterol signal pathway plays a role in the immune response through sterol response element-binding protein (SREBP) ( 13 ). HDL cholesterol, traditionally been considered the “good cholesterol” as high plasma levels are strongly associated with a lower risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) ( 33 ), may also play an important role in innate and adaptive immunity supported by the ability to regulate the availability of cholesterol in immune cells.…”

“…Its metabolic disorders, both excess and deficiency, are associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers and other diseases ( 11 , 12 ). Besides, cholesterol plays a key role in regulating immune function, which is demonstrated to be very sensitive to the variations of this macronutrient concentration ( 13 ). High-density lipoprotein (HDL) may play critical roles both in innate and adaptive immunity, which supported by the ability to regulate cholesterol utilization in immune cells ( 14 ).…”

Innate Immune Response-Mediated Inflammation in Viral Pneumonia

“…Adequate nutrition plays a pivotal role in supporting a robust immune system, ensuring the body's ability to fend off infections. 18 Access to clean water and air is equally essential, preventing the transmission of pathogens and promoting overall respiratory health. These holistic measures collectively contribute to fortifying the body's defenses against respiratory infections, including viral pneumonia.…”

Multiple Endemic Equilibria in an Environmentally-Transmitted Disease With Three Disease Stages

“…The relevance of study of these diseases lies in the variety of illness pathways that can develop in the host; for instance, they can be mild, severe or, even asymptomatic [2, 15, 17]. This variety of scenarios emergence from the existence of different strains able to infect a host, the tolerance level of susceptible individuals and the antimicrobial resistance that infectious agents can develop [8, 19, 28].…”