Induction of cellular and molecular immunomodulatory pathways by vitamin A and flavonoids

Abstract

Introduction: A detailed study of reports on the immunomodulatory properties of vitamin A and select flavonoids may pave the way for using these natural compounds or compounds with similar structures in novel drug and vaccine designs against infectious and autoimmune diseases and cancers.

Areas covered: Intracellular transduction pathways, cellular differentiation and functional immunomodulatory responses have been reviewed. The reported studies encompass in vitro, in vivo preclinical and clinical studies that address the role of vitamin A and select flavonoids in induction of innate and adaptive B- and T-cell responses, including TH1, TH2 and regulatory T cells (Treg).

Expert opinion: While the immunomodulatory role of vitamin A, and related compounds, is well-established in many preclinical studies, its role in humans has begun to gain wider acceptance. In contrast, the role of flavonoids is mostly controversial in clinical trials, due to the diversity of the various classes of these compounds, and possibly due to the purity and the selected doses of the compounds. However, current preclinical and clinical studies warrant further detailed studies of these promising immunomodulatory compounds.

Keywords:

• antiviral
• catechin
• flavonoid
• immunomodulation
• vitamin A

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge Deepa Pednekar, a former employee of EpitoGenesis, for providing a limited literature search and related text on select flavonoids.

Declaration of interest

This work was supported by grants from the NIAID 1R43AJ084690-01, NIAID 1R41AI096706-01A1, the Treasury Department’s Therapeutic Discovery Award and the Sate of Connecticut’s Department of Economic Development. M Vajdy owns shares of EpitoGenesis, Inc.

Notes

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