Mission:  The Unit’s mission is to determine how selected nutrients and other dietary factors with immune-regulatory and anti-oxidant properties modulate immune function and prevent or impede pathogenic inflammation.   Scientists in the Unit currently focus on vitamins A and D, carotenoids, fatty acids, selenium and other specific phytonutrients (e.g., quercetin and resveratrol).   Research focuses on the anti-inflammatory activities of such compounds because inflammation is a key promoter of many chronic diseases.

 

Research Scientists:

·          Charles Stephensen , Ph.D.

 - Research Leader Roles of vitamins A and D in immune function.

·          Betty Jane Burri , Ph.D.

  - Physiological roles of beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopoene, and beta carotene.

·          Wayne Chris Hawkes , Ph.D.

 - Roles of selenium and selenoproteins in cancer prevention.

·          Dan Hwang , Ph.D.

 - Dietary modulation of inflammation and chronic diseases mediated by pattern recognition receptors of the innate immune system.

·           Darshan Kelley , Ph.D.

  - Regulation of immune and inflammatory responses by dietary fatty acids.

·          Susan Zunino , Ph.D.

- How dietary antioxidant phytochemicals regulate growth and function of normal and abnormal immune cells and regulate inflammation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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