Epigenetic, Immunomodulatory, and Clinical Effects of Olive-Derived Polyphenols in Autoimmune Disease Models: A Scoping Review to Support Nutritional Intervention in Lupus

Systemic autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are characterized by chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and epigenetic alterations that contribute to disease progression and organ damage. In recent years, nutritional interventions involving bioactive compounds derived from extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)—particularly secoiridoids such as oleuropein, oleocanthal, oleacein, and hydroxytyrosol—have shown promising anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and epigenetic effects. This scoping review aims to systematically identify and synthesize existing evidence on the epigenetic, immunological, and clinical effects of olive-derived polyphenols in autoimmune disease models. While the ultimate clinical application of this review relates to systemic lupus erythematosus, we expand the scope to include other autoimmune diseases in which comparable epigenetic and immunoinflammatory mechanisms have been studied, providing a broader translational framework. By mapping available evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and human studies, this review seeks to clarify the therapeutic relevance of olive polyphenols across autoimmune conditions, identify mechanistic pathways of interest, and highlight current knowledge gaps. The findings will support the development of evidence-based nutritional strategies for SLE and related autoimmune disorders.