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Immunomodulation by food: impact on gut immunity and immune cell function
Satoshi Hachimura1, Mamoru Totsuka2, Akira Hosono3
1a Research Center for Food Safety, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences , The University of Tokyo , Japan.
Abstract:
Recent studies have revealed that various food components affect the immune response. These components act on various immune cells, and their effects are mediated through the intestinal immune system and, in some cases, the intestinal microbiota. In this review, we describe the immunomodulating effects of various food components, including probiotics, prebiotics, polysaccharides, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, peptides, amino acids and polyphenols. Some of these components enhance immune responses, leading to host defense against infection, whereas others inhibit immune responses, thus suppressing allergy and inflammation.
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