Diet, immunity and inflammation

The immune system consists of a complex network of specialized cells which each
have precise roles. Immunity is generally divided into two parts determined by the
speed and specificity of the response: (i) innate and (ii) adaptive immunity. The
innate immune response is rapid, non-specific, non-anticipatory and non-clonal,
and utilizes germ-line-encoded receptors. In contrast, the adaptive (sometimes
referred to as acquired) immune response is specific, anticipatory and clonal and
uses receptors that have been generated by somatic DNA rearrangement. The
innate response uses an arsenal of cells, which includes phagocytic cells
(neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages), inflammatory cells (basophils, mast
cells and eosinophils) and natural killer cells. The molecular components of the
innate repertoire include complement, acute-phase proteins and cytokines