title: Advances in nutritional research on regulatory T-cells.
abstract: Many clinical and animal studies have shown that certain dietary components exert anti-inflammatory properties that aid in the amelioration of chronic inflammatory diseases. Among the various proposed channels through which dietary components affect immune responses, regulatory T-cells (Tregs) are emerging as key targets for the dietary prevention of chronic inflammatory diseases. In this review, immunoregulation by Tregs is briefly described, followed by a summary of recent advances and possible applications of techniques for the study of Tregs. In addition, this review provides an overview of the current knowledge on Treg regulation by certain dietary components, including vitamins, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and polyphenols. The caveats of previous studies are also discussed in order to highlight the distinctions between dietary studies and immunological approaches. Consequently, this review may help to clarify the means by which nutritional components influence Tregs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Biotechnology, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Gyeonggi 446-701, Korea. lee252@dankook.ac.kr.
authors.forename: Wooki
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Hyungjae
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000178:diet therapy*; D059808:Polyphenols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D059808:Polyphenols; D014815:Vitamins