Abstract:
Nutraceuticals, bioactive compounds derived from food sources, have gained significant attention for their potential to modulate immune function. Among the various components of the immune system, natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in the innate immune response, particularly in the detection and elimination of tumor cells and virus-infected cells. Recent research suggests that nutraceuticals may influence NK cell activity, offering potential therapeutic avenues for immune modulation. Several classes of nutraceuticals, including polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids, have been shown to enhance NK cell proliferation, cytotoxicity, and cytokine production. These compounds work through various mechanisms, such as modulating signaling pathways, improving NK cell receptor expression, and enhancing cellular interactions within the immune network. For instance, polyphenols like resveratrol and curcumin have been demonstrated to boost NK cell activity by promoting the release of cytotoxic molecules and cytokines. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish oil, are known to improve NK cell function by altering cell membrane composition and enhancing NK cell receptor signaling. Moreover, micronutrients such as vitamins D and C have been associated with increased NK cell activity through their antioxidant and immune-regulatory properties. While the beneficial effects of nutraceuticals on NK cells are promising, more clinical studies are needed to fully understand their mechanisms and therapeutic potential in immune-related disorders, including cancer and viral infections. This research highlights the growing interest in utilizing nutraceuticals as modulators of NK cell function and their potential role in immune system enhancement.
Biography:
He started his postdoctoral research under the mentorship of Prof. Paolo Fiorina at Biosciences Department, University of Milan (Milan, Italy), in collaboration with Nephrology Division, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School (MA, USA). He earned first-authorship and co-authorship statuses on the resultant peer-reviewed papers. His work in research continued under the guidance of Prof. Claudio Viscoli at the Health Sciences Department, University of Genoa (Genoa, Italy),
conducting research about antiretrovirals compliance in HIV patients and new generation anti-HCV drugs efficacy. He also have been appointed as a Coordinator for a clinical trial titled “Safety, tolerability & efficacy on LDL-C of Evolocumab in subjects with HIV & hyperlipidemia/mixed dyslipidemia” (Amgen Inc. 20130286 - AMG286 trial). He continued his work under the guidance of Prof. Santina Bruzzone at the Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa (Genoa, Italy), investigating the onset delay effect of SIRT6 inhibition on in vitro/in vivo Multiple Sclerosis models, earning a co-authorship in the resultant peer-review article. He then conducted research on anti-influenza and anti-meningococcal vaccination strategy under the guidance of Prof. Donatella Panatto at Health Sciences Department, University of Genoa (Genoa, Italy), earning a co-authorship in the resultant peer-review articles [4,5]. He was then employed at the Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa (Genoa, Italy), under the mentorship of Prof. Silvia Schenone, working on Organic Synthesis research, characterizing pyrazolo[3,4-d] pyrimidine tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). He published a work about it. Later, he was appointed as Adjunct Professor in Epigenetics at the Education Sciences Department, RomaTre University (Rome, Italy), lecturing post-graduate students and working on generational trauma along with Prof. Matteo Villanova. Such research work resulted in a research article as a first author.
