Towards an Integrated Understanding of Stress, Inflammation and Immune Response

At a Glance

High stress levels and obesity are common in modern society and have consequences for immune cell function and inflammation, which contribute to many diseases. Research is needed to explore the relationship between stress, inflammation and immune response to work toward solutions and ensure healthy immune systems.

The Challenge

Modern lifestyles are characterized by high stress levels and an increased prevalence of obesity, with consequences for immune cell function and inflammation. Increasing evidence implicates inflammation as a major contributor to many diseases including autoimmune conditions such as lupus and arthritis, as well as atherosclerosis, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. This project will explore the intersection of stress, inflammation and immune response by studying markers of inflammation and whether or not mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques can modify or optimize the immune response.

Project Goals

The research team seeks to improve understanding of both the complex regulation of the human immune system and the influence of lifestyle factors such as glucose consumption and stress on this regulation. The findings have the potential to impact human health, where small changes in behavior, such as practicing mindfulness techniques, could have a large impact on public health and change clinical practice in the treatment of inflammation-driven and autoimmune diseases.