Immuno-modulation by food
Immune modulation by food as precurative health care.
The immune system is one of the determinants of health and well being of human and animals. An imbalance of the immune system leads to allergies or auto-immune diseases, or to a decrease of the basic resistance resulting in a higher incidence of infection diseases, cancer, etc.
Several bio-active compounds in food can stimulate the immune system.
Stimulating the immune system in a precurative phase could have a high rendement: restore the imbalance in immune-related diseases, strengthen the basal resistance to prevent the development of tumors, infection diseases, and inflammatory reacties resulting from obesitas. Especially the elderly, the very young and other immuno-compromised people (e.g. allergenic or HIV-infected people or people that undergo cancer therapy, etc) will benefit from the consumption of food that stimulates and triggers their immune system.
At Wageningen-UR not only the presence of immuno-modulating compounds in food (e.g. beta-glucans in mushrooms and oats) is analysed, but also their bio-activity using in vitro assays and animal models. In combination with understanding the way of action, biomarkers will be developed to be used in breeding and selection systems. These studies will be used to develop endproducts that can be used in food and feed to increase health of humans and livestock and reduce the application of antibiotics.