Immunomodulation by polyunsaturated fatty acids: impact on T-cell signaling.

In recent years the potential application of the immunomodulatory effects of polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), particularly those of the n-3 series, in a variety of inflammatory disorders has been of considerable interest. However, the mechanisms underlying inhibition of T-cell activation have so far been unclear. In this short review we summarize possible mechanisms for the modulation of immune responses by PUFA. Effects of PUFA on T-cell signal transduction pathways and underlying molecular mechanisms are described in detail. These recent results add considerably to the understanding of mechanisms of PUFA actions, but their relevance in the in vivo situation must still be elucidated.