Publications

Immune homeostasis relies on a dynamic equilibrium between oxidative stress, redox signaling, and the antioxidant systems that buffer reactive oxygen and nitrogen species generated during normal metabolism and inflammatory responses. Both endogenous antioxidants-such as glutathione, thioredoxin, uric acid, and enzymatic systems-and dietary antioxidants derived from fruits, vegetables, spices, and phytochemicals collectively maintain this balance. Disruption of redox homeostasis leads to immune dysfunction characterized by exaggerated inflammation, impaired pathogen clearance, altered lymphocyte differentiation, and progression of chronic metabolic and inflammatory diseases. This review synthesizes current mechanistic insights and emerging translational evidence on how dietary and endogenous antioxidants regulate innate and adaptive immunity through redox-sensitive pathways, including Nrf2, NF-κB, HIF-1α, and mitochondrial signaling. It further highlights clinical implications, therapeutic opportunities, and remaining research gaps required to bridge experimental knowledge with real-world clinical application. Understanding the interplay between antioxidant systems and immune regulation offers an evidence-based foundation for developing targeted dietary, pharmacological, and lifestyle interventions to restore immune balance in diverse pathological contexts.