Open AccessDevelopment of Immunocompetence: Role of Micronutrients and Microorganisms
Author(s) -
CunninghamRundles Susanna,
Ahrn Siv,
AbuavNussbaum Rachel,
Dnistrian Ann
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
nutrition reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.958
H-Index - 150
eISSN - 1753-4887
pISSN - 0029-6643
DOI - 10.1301/00296640260130777
Subject(s) - immune system , micronutrient , immunocompetence , biology , immunology , immunity , acquired immune system , cytokine , immunodeficiency , physiology , medicine , pathology
Normal maturation of immune response at birth is both supported and stimulated by the gastrointestinal microenvironment, which provides both nutrients and antigenic microbial exposure to the developing child. Micronutrients, trace elements, and vitamins are present in the local environment and have important regulatory effects on adaptive immune cell function through effects on type of cytokine response. Congenital HIV infection is critically affected by both nutrient imbalance and alteration in gastrointestinal microflora, which may impair growth and development as well as immune response. Studies described here indicate that micronutrient deficiency is common in congenital HIV exposure even where infection has not occurred and that gastrointestinal recolonization may exert a restorative effect on both immune response and growth in children with HIV infection.