Recent advances in exercise immunometabolism: Immune cell bioenergetics, muscle-immune cell interactions, and...

Exercise profoundly alters immunological processes to improve overall health and immunity. The link between immune cell metabolism and function has prompted study of immune cell bioenergetics following acute exercise and the role of muscle-resident immune cells in training adaptations. This review highlights recent work in the area and discusses potential dietary approaches for boosting exercise-induced immunometabolic benefits.

Human studies highlight the ability of exercise to alter immune cell bioenergetics, with some also reporting accompanying changes in immune cell function. Rodent studies involving moderate exercise report improved innate and adaptive immune cell phenotypes that are accompanied by increased mitochondrial size and bioenergetic function. Various muscle resident immune cell subpopulations including macrophages, mast cells, and regulatory T cells also appear to be involved in the adaptive responses to exercise. Fasting, exogenous ketones, and mitochondrial enhancing compounds (e.g., sulforaphane, urolithin A) could theoretically potentiate the immunometabolic benefits of exercise based on their independent effects, but evidence for combined interventions is currently lacking.

Exercise and dietary manipulations that independently alter immunometabolic pathways could be combined to maximize associated health benefits. This may benefit those who cannot meet physical activity guidelines or want to maximize exercise adaptation.