Current 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.
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.
Effect of age and vitamin E on gene expression profile of immune cells.
Impact of age on host resistance to food born pathogens and effect of nutritional modulation.
Effect of probiotics on immune function and resistance to infections in mouse model.
Effect of mushrooms on immune functions and resistance to infections in mouse model.
Modulation of T cell response by green tea EGCG and mechanisms.
Altered macrophage functions with age and the underlying mechanisms.
Age-related inflammatory state in adipose tissue and the underlying mechanisms

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?