Award details

Dietary modulation of human mononuclear cell functions

Reference	BBS/E/F/04131039
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Dr David Hughes
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	Quadram Institute Bioscience
Department	Quadram Institute Bioscience Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	798,646
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/1999
End date	31/03/2003
Duration	48 months

Abstract

Altered expression of adhesion molecules on immune cells plays a major role in the development of many chronic diet- related disorders, such as auto immunity and cardiovascular disease. We have previously shown that carotenoids (e.g. beta-carotene and lycopene) and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (found in fish oil) modulate the expression of adhesion molecules on human blood monocytes. The synthesis of adhesion molecules and several pro-inflammatory signalling proteins (cytokines) is regulated by the transcription factor, NF-kappaB. We will investigate whether individual dietary components, influence monocyte function by modulating the activity of this transcription factor. Helper T lymphocytes, which control and co-ordinate other immune cells are divided into two subsets, designated Th1 and Th2, according to the types of cytokines they produce. The balance between these subsets influences the onset of diet-related diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders, and this balance changes with age. We will explore whether dietary components can directly influence T lymphocyte differentiation in young and elderly individuals. This project will provide further information on the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which dietary components modulate cell mediated immunity. The work will complement externally-funded studies examining dietary influences on immune function in healthy individuals and in patients with diet-related disorders

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Agri-food (AF)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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