A detective story of intermittent fasting effect on immunity

Intermittent fasting (IF) refers to periodic fasting routines, that caloric intake is minimized not by meal portion size reduction but by intermittently eliminating ingestion of one or several consecutive meals. IF can instigate comprehensive and multifaceted alterations in energy metabolism, these metabolic channels may aboundingly function as primordial mechanisms that interface with the immune system, instigating intricate immune transformations. This review delivers a comprehensive understanding of IF, paying particular attention to its influence on the immune system, thus seeking to bridge these two research domains. We explore how IF effects lipid metabolism, hormonal levels, circadian rhythm, autophagy, oxidative stress, gut microbiota, and intestinal barrier integrity, and conjecture about the mechanisms orchestrating the intersect between these factors and the immune system. Moreover, the review includes research findings on the implications of IF on the immune system and patients burdened with autoimmune diseases. Intermittent fasting exerts its influence on the immune system through a multitude of pathways, including modulation of lipid metabolism, hormonal balance, circadian rhythm regulation, induction of autophagy, management of oxidative stress, and reshaping of the gut microbiome. This comprehensive impact encompasses various aspects of immune function, ranging from the gastrointestinal immunity to the blood cells and the inflammatory factor. image