Immune regulation by lipids

An abundance of evidence supports the role of dietary lipids as regulators of the immune system. This is demonstrated by studies examining lipid alteration of the immune response to malignancy, autoimmune disease, sepsis, trauma, and transplantation. Both the quantity and quality of lipid is important in immunoregulation. In general, high-lipid diets are immunosuppressive. PUFA diets tend to be more suppressive than saturated-fat diets, though recent evidence suggests that the omega-3 PUFA have immunostimulatory properties. Both cell-mediated and humoral immunity are affected by dietary lipids. Multiple mechanisms are likely contributing to the overall effects of lipids, including alteration of AA metabolism, changes in cell membranes, and impairment of the reticuloendothelial system. As continuing progress is made in clinical interventions to regulate the immune response, it has become necessary to consider the role of dietary lipids in this setting.