Immune Regulation by a “Diets-Intestinal Bacteria-Host” Network through Dietary Oils

Abstract

Intestinal tissues are continuously exposed to numerous numbers and kinds of bacteria, which affect the intestinal immune system of the host. This interaction allows the maintenance of homeostasis in the intestine. Recent advances in omics analyses have revealed that an inappropriate balance of intestinal bacteria leads to the development of various diseases such as gastrointestinal and cardiovascular diseases. In addition to intestinal bacteria, dietary materials are known to regulate immune functions directly and indirectly through interaction with intestinal bacteria; therefore, it is necessary to consider the triangular network of “diets-intestinal bacteria-intestinal immunity” for the regulation of health and diseases. In this review, we focus on lipids (or oils) and describe recent findings regarding immune regulation through lipid metabolites and intestinal bacteria.