Epigenetic regulation of early nutrition on immune system

Abstract

Diet and gut microbiota are considered two of the most important players in regulating immune system development and function in early life. Many of these effects are mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. The "nutriepigenomics" studies the interaction of nutrients with genome and describes their effect on human health through epigenetic modifications. Dietary fiber modulates gut microbiota and influences short-chain fatty acid production with a beneficial effect on immune system. An increasing number of evidences on epigenetic mechanisms regulated by nutrients are involved in the development of food allergy. New possible strategies, as the choice of dietary treatment, could regulate the epigenome, influencing food allergy disease course.