Recent advances in immunotherapy have transformed treatment approaches for cancer and autoimmune diseases. However, many patients continue to experience variable outcomes due to toxicity, immune resistance, or limited efficacy.

In this context, nutraceuticals—bioactive compounds derived from food sources—are emerging as promising co-adjuvants. By modulating immune pathways, these compounds may not only enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapeutic strategies but also reduce adverse effects.

This Research Topic aims to bring together cross-disciplinary research exploring how nutraceuticals can be integrated into immunotherapy.

The goal is to establish a robust foundation of evidence and provide mechanistic insights into their use as adjuncts in the treatment of cancer and chronic inflammatory diseases.

Compounds such as curcumin, resveratrol, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics have demonstrated immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. These nutraceuticals interact with immune cells and signaling pathways, potentially enhancing responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors, cancer vaccines, or cytokine-based therapies.

Despite these promising observations, clinical translation remains limited due to challenges in bioavailability, standardization, and clinical validation.

To address these gaps, we seek contributions that advance understanding in the following areas:

- Mechanistic studies of the immunomodulatory effects of specific nutraceuticals

- Preclinical or clinical evaluation of nutraceuticals as adjuncts to immunotherapy

- Strategies to improve bioavailability and delivery of nutraceuticals

- Nutrigenomics and personalized immunonutrition

- Regulatory, translational, and ethical considerations in combining nutraceuticals with immunotherapy

By highlighting these topics, we aspire to stimulate innovative collaborations across immunology, nutrition science, pharmacology, and clinical practice. Ultimately, this Research Topic seeks to support the development of more effective, personalized, and well-tolerated treatment protocols.

We welcome original research, reviews, meta-analyses, and opinion pieces that address these themes. Interdisciplinary submissions are especially encouraged, as we collectively explore the growing synergy between nutrition and immune-based therapies.

Topic Editor Prof. Francesco Sabbatino declares the following conflicts of interest:

1) Patent Number 61/808,517, mgh 22119, combination treatments with sonic hedgehog inhibitors

2) Patent Number : 102024000025665. Biomarker for predicting immune-related adverse events in cancer immunotheraphy, University of Salerno

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Nutraceuticals as co-adjuvants in immunotherapy: Enhancing efficacy and personalization