Vitamins and Minerals in Immune Homeostasis: From Molecular Pathways to Clinical and Translational Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals, are fundamental regulators of immune homeostasis, acting across molecular, cellular, and clinical levels to maintain balanced immune responses. Adequate micronutrient status supports immune cell development, antigen presentation, cytokine signaling, redox homeostasis, and metabolic reprogramming, while deficiencies contribute to immune dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and increased susceptibility to infections and immune-mediated diseases. Growing evidence highlights the pleiotropic actions of key vitamins (A, C, D, E, B-complex) and minerals (zinc, selenium, iron, copper, magnesium) through pathways involving NF-κB, Nrf2, JAK/STAT, epigenetic regulation, and immune metabolism. In parallel, micronutrients critically shape gut microbiota composition and activity, thereby modulating mucosal immunity, intestinal barrier integrity, and systemic immune responses via host–microbe interactions and microbiota-derived metabolites. This Special Issue aims to provide an integrated molecular, clinical, and translational perspective on micronutrient–immune interactions across the lifespan and in conditions such as aging, metabolic disorders, chronic inflammation, autoimmunity, and infectious diseases. We welcome original research and authoritative reviews addressing mechanisms, microbiota-mediated effects, clinical trials, nutritional interventions, biomarkers, and personalized strategies to optimize immune function through targeted micronutrient modulation.

Prof. Dr. Lucia Malaguarnera
Guest Editor

Dr. Vincenzo Sortino
Guest Editor Assistant

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