Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
10:12
Systemic Bacterial Infection and Immune Defense Phenotypes in Drosophila Melanogaster
Published on: May 13, 2015
Dietary antioxidants: immunity and host defense
María A Puertollano1, Elena Puertollano, Gerardo Álvarez de Cienfuegos
1Universidad de Jaén, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Área de Microbiología, E-23071-Jaén, Spain.
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry
|April 22, 2011
Summary
Dietary antioxidants protect cells from damage by free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS), supporting immune function and enhancing resistance to infectious diseases in animals and humans.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nutrition Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cellular health relies on antioxidant defenses against damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS).
- Inflammation involves NADPH oxidase activity, producing superoxide radicals essential for microbial defense.
- Antioxidants regulate free radical reactions crucial for immune cell function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of dietary antioxidants on immune cell function.
- To explore the role of antioxidants in protection against infectious microorganisms.
- To understand how nutrient supply influences immune mechanisms and host resistance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on dietary antioxidants and immune function.
- Analysis of research on antioxidant effects on inflammatory processes.
- Synthesis of findings regarding nutrient impact on host susceptibility to pathogens.
Main Results:
- Antioxidant nutrients (e.g., vitamins E, C, beta-carotene, minerals) enhance immune function.
- Dietary antioxidants modulate host resistance and susceptibility to bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections.
- Adequate nutrient supply is linked to immune tolerance and inflammation control.
Conclusions:
- Dietary antioxidants are vital for maintaining immune cell function and health.
- Antioxidants play a critical role in defending against infectious agents.
- Nutritional status significantly impacts the immune system's ability to combat infections.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
01:31Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
The human immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against bacterial infections. It consists of various immune cells, each playing a specific role in the defense mechanism.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
01:26Defense Mechanism Against Infection
Natural flora, body system defenses, and inflammation are natural barriers of the body against infectious agents regardless of previous exposure. Normal floras of the human body refer to the microbial population that colonizes the skin and mucous membranes.
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...
01:38What is the Immune System?
Overview
02:26Defenses Against Pathogens and Herbivores
Plants present a rich source of nutrients for many organisms, making it a target for herbivores and infectious agents. Plants, though lacking a proper immune system, have developed an array of constitutive and inducible defenses to fend off these attacks.
01:21Introduction to Innate and Adaptive Immunity
The human immune system is a complex defense mechanism that protects the body from harmful pathogens and foreign substances. It comprises two crucial components: innate and adaptive immunity.
Innate immunity is the body's natural, nonspecific defense system that acts quickly to protect against pathogens. It incorporates physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes and cellular elements such as phagocytes and natural killer cells. This part of our immune system provides an immediate,...
Innate immunity is the body's natural, nonspecific defense system that acts quickly to protect against pathogens. It incorporates physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes and cellular elements such as phagocytes and natural killer cells. This part of our immune system provides an immediate,...