Introduction: Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is an essential mitochondrial co-factor and, as a free
molecule, it can exert multi-level immunomodulatory functions. Both ALA and its reduced form,
dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA), are believed to be able to chelate heavy metals, to regenerate essential
antioxidants and to repair important molecules damaged by oxidation. The largest part of the effects
of ALA/DHLA couple can be explained by a specific stimulatory activity on Nrf2-dependent gene
transcription and by the inhibition of NF-kB activity. These features have prompted its as a drug for
several diseases.
Immunomodulatory activities of alpha lipoic acid with a special focus on its efficacy in preventing
