The Influence of Linolenic Acid on the Immune Response



Kaviani E¹ ; Safavi K² ; Hajibabaie F^{3, 4} ; Abedpoor N⁴ Show Affiliations
Source: Properties and Uses of Linolenic Acid Published:2023

Abstract

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA; 18:3(ω-3) is an essential fatty acid whose dominant source is seed oils, including flax and chia. It can be partially converted into the other long-chain ω-3 PUFAs (including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 20:6) by multiple elongases, desaturases, and β-oxidases. However, EPA and DHA can typically be provided from fish oil. In recent decades, the impact of the omega-3 family (ALA, EPA, and DHA) on the immune system has received much attention due to its essential regulatory functions. They can incorporate into cell membranes and subsequently influence cell membrane properties, such as membrane fluidity or complex protein assembly in lipid rafts. Furthermore, long-chain ω-3 PUFAs molecules and their metabolites influence the effector and regulatory functions of innate and adaptive immune cells as signaling molecules. These regulations are usually the result of the secretion of cytokines and chemokines by cells, which attract immune cells from the circulation into inflammatory sites and, ultimately, determine activation or suppression of them. ALA and its derivatives suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, 37 IL-1β) and linoleic acid (ω-6)-derived eicosanoids (thromboxane B2 and prostaglandin E2). Also, many studies demonstrated that ALA has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by increasing the expression level of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2, a regulatory protein for cellular resistance to oxidants). Indeed, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the omega-3 family can also prevent chronic-inflammatory and cancer. This chapter describes the effect of linolenic acid and its derivatives on the innate and adaptive immune response. © 2023 Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.