Autoimmune diseases caused by inflammatory cascades are playing an increasing role in our society. Our dietary habits are also influenced by our lifestyle. However, these can have an enormous impact on the body's immunological processes.

The Ehlers research group has long been working on the Fc glycosylation of IgG antibodies. Low galactosylation and sialylation of IgG antibodies are associated with pro-inflammatory processes. 

It is therefore of interest for me to positively influence glycosylation by nutritional intervention. A plant substance tested in an inflammatory mouse model had a positive effect on the glycosylation of IgG antibodies at the Fc region. My ambition is to prove this effect in a clinical study in overweight people. Obesity is associated with inflammatory conditions and lower IgG Fc galactosylation and sialylation, making these subjects ideal for the study. The subjects will take the plant substance three times per day for six weeks.

Based on this study, further studies could be carried out in which the substance is tested in people with existing autoimmune diseases to positively influence their high inflammatory condition. Dietary recommendations could also be optimized to ensure the supply of this plant substance.