Modulation of lung allergic inflammation and malnutrition

Nutritional deficiency is commonly associated with a significantly impaired immune response, particularly in relation to cell-mediated immunity, the complement system, cytokine production and phagocyte function. However, there are few data on the consequences of nutritional deficiency in allergic diseases of the lung. In fact, malnutrition is the most common cause of immunodeficiency worldwide. Several studies have indicated that the incidence of alterations in lung functions can be associated with birth weight, specifically with maternal malnutrition, but data linking intrauterine undernutrition with allergic diseases of the lung are lacking. The purpose of this review is to associate malnutrition, including intrauterine malnutrition, with the establishment of immune responses and the development of lung allergic inflammation.