Advances in Nutritional Research on Regulatory T-Cells

Abstract

Many clinical and animal studies have shown that certain dietary components exert anti-inflammatory properties that aid in the amelioration of chronic inflammatory diseases. Among the various proposed channels through which dietary components affect immune responses, regulatory T-cells (Tregs) are emerging as key targets for the dietary prevention of chronic inflammatory diseases. In this review, immunoregulation by Tregs is briefly described, followed by a summary of recent advances and possible applications of techniques for the study of Tregs. In addition, this review provides an overview of the current knowledge on Treg regulation by certain dietary components, including vitamins, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and polyphenols. The caveats of previous studies are also discussed in order to highlight the distinctions between dietary studies and immunological approaches. Consequently, this review may help to clarify the means by which nutritional components influence Tregs.

Higher intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids is associated with a decreased risk of a first clinical diagnosis of central nervous system demyelination: Results from the Ausimmune Study

“…The net result is a decrease in the abundance and differentiation of proinflammatory Th1 and Th17 cells and an increase in T regs . 35 However, another study showed that the omega-3 PUFA, decosahexaenoic acid, inhibited the suppressive effects of T regs on effector T cell proliferation in vitro in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that not all of the effects may be favourable. 35…”

Flavonoids Affect Host-Microbiota Crosstalk through TLR Modulation

“…At the same time the repression of the TLR signaling, which is associated to innate immune tolerance [ 96 ], can be also produced by flavonoids ( Section 3.2 ). As certain flavonoids have been described to present immunomodulator activity by inducing changes on the GALT [ 97 ] and on systemic immune cells [ 98 ], as well as on regulatory T cells [ 99 , 100 ], we may suggest the possible implication of TLR signaling modulation herein described by flavonoids in such immunoregulatory effects.…”

Seafood, fatty acid biosynthesis genes, and multiple sclerosis susceptibility

“…They are present in a wide array of tissues with broad functions including the active component of phospholipid cell membranes and substrate for molecular signaling pathways. Omega-3 PUFAs have been shown to be neuroprotective during aging 22 and suppress MS-related inflammation through multiple mechanisms 23,24 in animal models. This provides at least two biologically plausible mechanisms whereby higher omega-3 PUFA intake and biosynthesis could protect against development of MS.…”