The effects of conjugated linoleic acid on the human immune system

Abstract

The cells of the immune system are sensitive to their exogenous environment. Indeed the amount and type of nutrients, including fatty acids, which this environment contains all influence subsequent immune cell functioning. Dietary fatty acids, in particular polyunsaturated fatty acids, modulate immune function. However, less is known about the effects of the dietary fatty acid conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on immune function. CLA is a mix of positional and geometric isomers of the fatty acid linoleic acid. The predominant isomers are a cis-9, trans-11 CLA and trans-10, cis -12 CLA. Although it can be synthesised industrially, natural dietary sources include dairy products and certain meats (e.g. lamb). This thesis aims to investigate the influence of these two CLA isomers on human immune function ex vivo and in vitro and to investigate the molecular m echanisms underlying their effects.