Current Projects

Current and Planned Projects:
Mechanisms of Vitamin E-induced enhancement of T cell function in the aged with focus on early activation signaling and membrane related events.
Determining age-related change in T cell signalosomes using proteomic and lipidomic methods.
Effect of age on proteome activity and macrophage functions.
Age-related inflammatory state in adipose tissue and the underlying mechanisms.
Effect of probiotics and wolfberry on immune function and resistance to infections in mouse model.
Effect of white button mushrooms on resistance to infections in mouse model.
Effect of white button mushrooms on resistance to infections in mouse model.
Characterization of immunologic effects of tocotrienols.
Contribution of polymorphisms at cytokine genes to heterogeneity of vitamin E-induced effects on cytokine production and resistance to respiratory infections in the elderly.
Effect of reducing caloric intake on immune response of humans.
Impact of age and nutritional modulation on host resistance to food born pathogens.
Green tea EGCG and T cell function in autoimmune inflammation.
Zinc and prevention of pneumonia in elderly nursing home residents.
Nutrients as predictors of immune modulators of tuberculosis in adults (Tanzania).

Learn More

For more information about the Nutritional Immunology Laboratory, please visit the USDA, Agricultural Research Service.

Struggle and Inspiration
Tufts symposium tackles difficult issues facing women in the science, medicine and engineering fields.

Healthy Fungus
White button mushrooms appear to boost immune function

Vitamin E: Infection Prevention
Vitamin E supplements may play an important role in preventing colds and other upper respiratory infections

Study: Zinc Boosts Immunity In Elderly
Maintaining normal zinc levels can help elderly patients ward off pneumonia.

Ask the Professor
Is frozen yogurt as nutritious as regular yogurt? Live cultures such as acidophilus are an important ingredient in regular yogurt; what happens to them when the yogurt is frozen?