Lipid role in the immune system

Abstract

The essential fatty acids react with enzymes to produce a group of compounds known as specialized pro-resolving mediators, or SPMs. Researchers continually discover new members of the four groups of precursors that comprise the SPM family, called lipoxins, resolvins, protectins, and maresins. These stereospecific molecules shut down inflammation and restore the body to homeostasis, a mechanism researchers are targeting for treatment as an alternative to anti-inflammatory pathways.