IMMUNE SYSTEM

Overview of the Immune Response
This article provides a comprehensive explanation of how the immune system protects the body from harmful invaders like pathogens and allergens. It describes two main components: the innate immune system, which offers immediate, general defence mechanisms, and the adaptive immune system, which provides targeted, long-lasting protection by recognising specific threats. A key feature of the immune system is its ability to distinguish between the body's own cells ("self") and foreign invaders ("nonself"), a process known as self-nonself discrimination. The article also discusses how disturbances in immune function can lead to tissue damage and disease.

Immunology for Non-Immunologists: Innate vs. Adaptive Immunity
This article explains the two main parts of the immune system: innate and adaptive immunity. The innate immune system is the body’s quick, general defense against germs, using cells like white blood cells and natural killer cells. The adaptive immune system is more specific, targeting particular invaders with B cells and T cells, and it can remember past infections to respond faster next time. Helper T cells help activate other immune cells to fight off threats effectively while keeping the body safe from attacking itself.

The Interplay between the Gut Microbiome and the Immune System in the Context of Infectious Diseases throughout Life and the Role of Nutrition in Optimizing Treatment Strategies
This review highlights how the gut, which houses about 70–80% of the body's immune cells, serves as a central hub where the microbiome, the intestinal lining, and the mucosal immune system interact to defend against infections—especially in vulnerable populations such as infants and the elderly. Beyond localized gut immunity, the microbial communities in the gut can also shape systemic immune responses. The authors emphasize that nutrition plays a key role in modulating this interplay: dietary choices influence gut microbiota composition, which in turn supports immune resilience, aids infection prevention, and contributes to better health outcomes throughout life.

Serotonergic Mechanisms Regulating the GI Tract: Experimental Evidence and Therapeutic Relevance
This study explains how serotonin, a chemical in the body, does much more than just affect mood. It’s mostly found in the gut and helps control digestion, the way blood clots, and how the body responds to inflammation. Serotonin also helps send signals between cells in the brain and other parts of the body. Overall, the study shows that serotonin plays many important roles in keeping the body working properly, both in the brain and in other organs.

The Expanded Biology of Serotonin
This review article shows that serotonin is more than just a brain chemical linked to mood. In fact, most of our serotonin exists outside the brain—in the heart, gut, blood, and other body parts. The body has about 15 different serotonin receptor types, and they all play roles in many key functions. These include how the gut moves food, how the heart works, blood clotting and even controlling the bladder.

The role of short-chain fatty acids in the interplay between gut microbiota and diet in cardio-metabolic health
This study shows that most of the body’s serotonin is made in the gut, not the brain, and it plays an important role in controlling inflammation and the immune system. Serotonin made by gut cells helps regulate immune responses, supports healthy gut microbes, and manages processes like cell cleanup. Gut bacteria also influence serotonin production, creating a two-way relationship. When this system is out of balance, it can lead to gut conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. In short, gut serotonin is a key player in gut health and inflammation.

The inflammation theory of disease
This article describes the “inflammation theory of disease,” which proposes that chronic inflammation underlies many diseases. It highlights that ongoing inflammatory processes, fueled by factors like oxidative stress and cytokines, can disrupt the body's normal functioning and contribute to illnesses ranging from cancer to metabolic and cardiovascular disorders.

Flavonoids as Potential Anti-Inflammatory Molecules: A Review
Flavonoids are natural compounds found in many fruits, vegetables, and plants. They have health benefits, especially for reducing inflammation. They work by blocking chemicals and processes in the body that cause inflammation and by protecting cells from damage. Some common flavonoids, like quercetin and green tea compounds, have been shown to help manage long-term inflammatory diseases.

Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.): A Comprehensive Review on Phytochemistry, Health Benefits, Molecular Pharmacology, and Safety
Black cumin (Nigella sativa), along with its primary active compound thymoquinone, offers a broad spectrum of health benefits—such as reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, boosting immune function, supporting metabolic and cardiovascular health, and protecting against digestive, liver, kidney, neurological, and cancer-related conditions.

Cyanogenic Glycoside Analysis in American Elderberry
This study analysed cyanogenic glycosides—compounds that can release toxic hydrogen cyanide—in American elderberry. Using advanced chemical methods, the authors quantified these compounds in different parts of the plant and discussed implications for safety and food processing. The findings help guide safer consumption and manufacturing of elderberry products by identifying which plant parts and preparation methods minimize potential risks.

The taxonomic distribution of histamine-secreting bacteria in the human gut microbiome
This research identified and mapped out which types of bacteria in the human gut are capable of producing histamine—a compound involved in immune responses and allergic reactions. The study found that histamine-producing bacteria are present across various gut regions and are more common in people with certain gut conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This suggests that histamine may play a role in gut health and disease, and that targeting these bacteria could be a potential treatment strategy.

Histamine Intolerance: The Current State of the Art

This review explains histamine intolerance, a condition where the body has trouble breaking down histamine—a compound found in certain foods and produced during allergic reactions. The authors discuss how this intolerance can lead to symptoms like headaches, skin rashes, and digestive issues. They also highlight factors that can contribute to histamine intolerance, such as reduced activity of the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO), which helps break down histamine. The review emphasizes the need for more research to better understand the condition and improve diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Intestinal and systemic inflammatory responses are positively associated with sulfidogenic bacteria abundance in high-fat-fed male C57BL/6J mice

This study found that mice on a high-fat diet exhibited increased levels of sulfidogenic bacteria, which are bacteria capable of producing hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). The abundance of these bacteria was positively correlated with both intestinal and systemic inflammation markers. These findings suggest that the presence of sulfidogenic bacteria may contribute to inflammation associated with high-fat diets, potentially influencing the development of obesity-related diseases.

The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Lion's Mane Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) in a Coculture System of 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and RAW264 Macrophages

This study found that extracts from Hericium erinaceus exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects. The researchers observed that the mushroom extract suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the coculture system. These findings suggest that Hericium erinaceus may have potential therapeutic applications in managing inflammation-related conditions.

Neurotrophic properties of the Lion's mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia

This study found that extracts from Hericium erinaceus exhibited significant neurotrophic properties. The researchers observed that the mushroom extract promoted the growth and differentiation of nerve cells, suggesting potential applications in neurodegenerative conditions. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of Hericium erinaceus in supporting nerve health and regeneration.