The role of salt for immune cell function and disease

Abstract

The immune system evolved to protect organisms from invading pathogens. A network of pro- and anti-inflammatory cell types equipped with special effector molecules guarantees efficient elimination of intruders like viruses and bacteria. However, imbalances can lead to an excessive response of effector cells incurring autoimmune or allergic diseases. An interplay of genetic and environmental factors contributes to autoimmune diseases and recent studies provided evidence for an impact of dietary habits on the immune status and related disorders. Western societies underwent a change in lifestyle associated with changes in food consumption. Salt (sodium chloride) is one component prevalent in processed food frequently consumed in western countries. Here we summarize recent advances in understanding the mechanisms behind the effects of sodium chloride on immune cells like regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T helper (T ) 17 cells and its implication as a risk factor for several diseases.

The Impact of Dietary Components on Regulatory T Cells and Disease

“…Limitations in accurate measurement of NaCl levels and in the identification of the specific effect of salt independently of other dietary components may account for these controversial results [as discussed in (163)]. Since moderate increases in salt intake has proven to affect human immune cells, including T cells in vivo (26,37), more specific analysis are needed to establish the role of NaCl in human autoimmune disease.…”

“…Whereas, genetic factors clearly predispose to autoimmune development, the dramatic increase in the incidence of autoimmune diseases in Western countries suggests Western lifestyle patterns as important triggers of disease [reviewed in (21,22)]. A variety of factors have been proposed to favor autoimmune development such as decrease pathogen exposure, smoke, hormones, stress, pollutants, dietary components and obesity (23)(24)(25)(26)(27). Moreover, increasing data highlight the complex interplay between nutrition, metabolic state and the immune response.…”

Role of diet and gut microbiota in multiple sclerosis: New findings on the role of high‐salt intake in induction of neuroinflammation

“…3,4 The pathways involved in the induction of T H 17 cells after high-salt intake are related to activation of the p38/mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor of activated T cells and serum glucocorticoid-regulated kinase pathways (Table 1). [3][4][5][6][7] Notably, recent investigations showed that high-salt intake is involved in the induction of inflammatory reactions through disturbance of the gut microbiota (see recent reviews 2,8 ). In this regard, Wilck et al found that a high-salt diet disturbs the murine gut microbiome and induces neuroinflammation through T H 17 expansion in the EAE-affected murine model.…”

“…1 In animal models of MS (e.g. [3][4][5][6][7] Notably, recent investigations showed that high-salt intake is involved in the induction of inflammatory reactions through disturbance of the gut microbiota (see recent reviews 2,8 ). 1 In addition to these important findings, new investigations have shown the role of high-salt intake in the pathogenesis of MS through induction of severe neuroinflammation.…”

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Multiple etiological factors are involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). [3][4][5][6][7] Notably, recent investigations showed that high-salt intake is involved in the induction of inflammatory reactions through disturbance of the gut microbiota (see recent reviews 2,8 ). However, new findings showed that a high-salt diet is involved in the induction of severe neuroinflammation through the aggravation of T helper 17 pathways and their inflammatory cytokines.

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