Targeting Oxidative Stress to Restore Immune Balance: Phytochemical Interventions in Cancer and Chronic Inflammation

Kato Jumba K.

Faculty of Science and Technology Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Oxidative stress is both a driver and a consequence of dysregulated immunity across cancer and chronic inflammatory diseases. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) shape antigen presentation, cytokine networks, and cell death pathways; at pathological levels they derail tolerance, fuel fibrosis, and enable tumor immune evasion. This review synthesizes mechanistic links between redox biology and immune balance, spanning sentinel pathways (Nrf2/Keap1, NF-κB, STAT3, MAPKs, HIF-1α), immunometabolism (AMPK-mTOR, glycolysis–OXPHOS coupling), and microenvironmental cues (hypoxia, ferroptosis, lipid peroxidation). We evaluate phytochemical classes such as polyphenols, terpenoids, organosulfur compounds, alkaloids, and lignans as redox-active modulators capable of recalibrating innate and adaptive responses while sparing antimicrobial or anti-tumor effector functions. Emphasis is placed on how these agents impact dendritic cell fitness, macrophage polarization, T-cell exhaustion, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and stromal crosstalk. We summarize formulation and pharmacokinetic advances (nanoformulations, phytosomes, inhaled/topical delivery), safety and drug–drug interaction considerations, and the translational evidence landscape. A pragmatic framework is proposed for endotype-guided deployment of phytochemical combinations alongside standard therapies to restore immune balance.

Keywords: oxidative stress; immunometabolism; Nrf2; NF-κB; phytochemicals; tumor microenvironment

CITE AS Kato Jumba K (2026). Targeting Oxidative Stress to Restore Immune Balance: Phytochemical Interventions in Cancer and Chronic Inflammation.

IDOSR JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 12(1):67-71. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSR/JST/26/113.6771