Publications

Oxidative stress is both a driver and a consequence of dysregulated immunity across cancer and chronic inflammatory diseases. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) shape antigen presentation, cytokine networks, and cell death pathways; at pathological levels they derail tolerance, fuel fibrosis, and enable tumor immune evasion. This review synthesizes mechanistic links between redox biology and immune balance, spanning sentinel pathways (Nrf2/Keap1, NF-κB, STAT3, MAPKs, HIF-1α), immunometabolism (AMPK-mTOR, glycolysis–OXPHOS coupling), and microenvironmental cues (hypoxia, ferroptosis, lipid peroxidation). We evaluate phytochemical classes such as polyphenols, terpenoids, organosulfur compounds, alkaloids, and lignans as redoxactive modulators capable of recalibrating innate and adaptive responses while sparing antimicrobial or anti-tumor effector functions. Emphasis is placed on how these agents impact dendritic cell fitness, macrophage polarization, T-cell exhaustion, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and stromal crosstalk. We summarize formulation and pharmacokinetic advances (nanoformulations, phytosomes, inhaled/topical delivery), safety and drug–drug interaction considerations, and the translational evidence landscape. A pragmatic framework is proposed for endotype-guided deployment of phytochemical combinations alongside standard therapies to restore immune balance.