Mighty Tiny Vortex

The nutritional composition of diet fundamentally modulates core physiological systems, including whole-body metabolic programs and the immune system – the mammalian defense to challenges against homeostasis. Ketogenic diets (KDs) are extremely high in fats and very low in carbohydrates (calories 90% from fat, 10% from protein, and less than 0.1% from carbohydrates) that rewire whole body metabolism. This metabolic adaptation improves many physiological processes including aging, thermogenesis, and glucose homeostasis. However, the effects of KDs on the immune system remain less explored. Thus, the overall objective of my PhD studies will be to elucidate how diets, particularly KD, affect the immune response in adaptive and maladaptive contexts.