Abstract
Immunomodulation is influenced by the consumption of nutrients, and healthy immunity is pivotal to defending an individual from a variety of pathogens. The immune system is a network of intricately regulated biological processes that is comprised of many organs, cellular structures, and signaling molecules. A balanced diet, rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, is key to a strengthened immune system and, thus, crucial to proper functioning of various physiological activities. Conversely, deficiencies of these micronutrients, involving impaired immunity, are linked to numerous health complications, along with a host of pathologies. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a dangerous infectious disease caused by a β-form of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its genomic variants, which enter host cells upon binding to the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 receptors, and is associated with substantial morbidities and mortalities globally. Patients afflicted with COVID-19 display asymptomatic to severe symptoms, occurrences of which are multifactorial and include diverse immune responses, sex and gender differences, aging, and underlying medical conditions. Geriatric populations, especially men in comparison to women, regardless of their states, are most vulnerable to severe COVID-19-associated infections and complications, with fatal outcomes. Advances in genomic and proteomic technologies help one understand molecular events, including host–pathogen interactions and pathogenesis of COVID-19 and, subsequently, have developed a variety of preventive measures urgently, ranging from mask wearing to vaccination to medication. Despite these approaches, no unique strategy is available today that can effectively prevent and/or treat this hostile disease. As a consequence, the maintenance of a boosted immune system could be considered a high priority of preventive medicine for combating COVID-19. Herein, we discuss the current level of understanding underlining the contribution of healthy immunity and its relevance to COVID-19 molecular pathogenesis, and potential therapeutic strategies, in the management of this devastating disease.
Highlights
The immune system has long been known as the primary preventive measure against invading pathogens
We have reported that vitamin A/retinoid signaling effectively enhances macrophage cholesterol efflux, which is considered as a fundamental process in stabilizing and/or regressing CVDs [4,96,118]
This study provides an overview of the current literature connecting COVID-19 infections, symptomatology, molecular pathogenesis, and potential therapeutic approaches, in which caution has been taken to conscientiously discuss and/or analyze the importance of healthy immunity in the management of this hostile disease
Summary
The immune system has long been known as the primary preventive measure against invading pathogens. It is unquestionable that proper nutrition has a positive impact on COVID-19-related infections, involving shorter durations, severity, and outcomes, and it is inversely correlated with the disease pathogenesis. Nutritional deficiencies and unhealthy diets, involving impaired immunity, are associated with a variety of complications and disorders and are more susceptible to severe COVID19-associated issues [5–7]. Since this new virus has created a severe health crisis globally, with COVID-19-associated infections and mortalities over 396 and 5.6 million, respectively, in 225 countries and territories, as of 31 January 2022, with the United States leading in both rates (Worldometers.info). Since no therapies are effective to prevent and/or cure this deadly disease today, healthy diet and/or lifestyle, involving modulation of the immune system, is pivotal to combating COVID-19. Therapeutic strategies, targeting the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, require an improved understanding of the host–pathogen interacting mechanism(s), symptomatology, and disease pathogenesis
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