Session 3: Fatty acids and the immune system Mechanisms underlying the immunomodulatory effects of n-3 PUFA

The enrichment of immune cell membranes with n-3 PUFA is associated with modulation of immune function. The degree of incorporation of n-3 PUFA (and therefore the impact of dietary n-3 PUFA on immune function) appears to depend on a number of factors including species and age. The mechanisms involved are still largely unclear, but recent work has focused on two areas; lipid rafts and eicosanoids. In vitro studies suggest that lipid rafts could play a role in the immunomodulatory effects of n-3 PUFA, but there is still little information regarding the extent to which membrane microdomains in human lymphocytes are modulated by dietary supplementation. The enrichment of cell membranes with n-3 PUFA also modulates the production of eicosanoids, the full extent of which has not yet been realized; this represents a key area for future research.