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Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids influence the immune system of infants
1EA 3925, IFR 114, Faculty of Medicine and University of Lille 2, Lille, France. fgottrand@chru-lille.fr
Insights
Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids ((n-3) LCPUFA) influence infant immune system development and function. While they modulate immune cells and cytokine profiles, clinical benefits for preventing allergies require further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nutrition Science
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Infant immune system maturation involves critical early-life events.
- Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly (n-3) LCPUFA, are essential nutrients with potential immunomodulatory roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence and rationale for the influence of (n-3) LCPUFA on infant immune system development.
- To explore the mechanisms and clinical implications of (n-3) LCPUFA supplementation in infants.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on (n-3) LCPUFA and infant immunity.
- Analysis of studies investigating immunomodulatory activities, including T-cell signaling and cytokine profiles.
- Examination of interventional studies, primarily focused on allergy prevention.
Main Results:
- (n-3) LCPUFA metabolites affect immune cells by altering eicosanoid production, gene expression, and lipid raft composition, impacting T-cell signaling.
- Studies show effects on T-cell function and cytokine profiles, but clinical benefits for allergy prevention are conflicting.
- The precise roles of specific immune cells and the impact of dose, timing, and individual immune profiles require further clarification.
Conclusions:
- Maternal or early childhood supplementation with (n-3) LCPUFA may offer a noninvasive strategy to prevent allergies, infections, and immune-mediated diseases.
- Long-term in vivo effects of early-life (n-3) LCPUFA exposure on immune defense and later health status need comprehensive assessment.
Abstract:
Several events occur during the first months of life that allow the immune system to become competent and functional. The aim of this article is to review the rationale and evidence of an influence of (n-3) long-chain PUFA (LCPUFA) on the immune system of infants. The (n-3) LCPUFA exert their immunomodulatory activities at different levels. The (n-3) LCPUFA metabolites induce eicosanoid production, alter gene expression, and modify lipid raft composition, altering T-cell signaling; all contribute to immunological functional changes. However, the roles of these mechanisms and the types of T or other immunological cells involved remain unclear at present. Moreover, the effect of (n-3) LCPUFA on the immune system of infants may vary according to dose, time of exposure, and profile of the immune system (T-helper, Th1/Th2). Most of the interventional studies in infancy have been performed for the prevention of allergy. They all confirmed influence on T-cell function and cytokine profiles, but clinically beneficial effects are more conflicting. Supplementation of the maternal diet in pregnancy or early childhood with (n-3) LCPUFA is potentially a noninvasive intervention strategy to prevent the development of allergy, infection, and possibly other immune-mediated diseases. However, any long-term in vivo effects on (n-3) LCPUFA early in life for immunomodulatory defense in infants and later on immune status and health remain to be assessed.
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