Exercise Immunology Laboratory

Zoher F. Kapasi, PT, PhD (Principal Investigator)
PhD Graduate Student: Janel Chatraw

DPT Graduate Students

Pamela Diamond
Rebecca Loveman
Gianna Rossi
Stacey Pagorek
Allison Lee
Barbara Litt
Aimee Rozin
Stacy Stebbins

The neuroendocrine system influences the immune system through neuroendocrine hormones. These hormones are produced during physical exercise and therefore exercise offers a tool by which we can influence immune response. My lab is interested in studying the effects of physical exercise on various aspects of immune function. Aging leads to a depression of immune response, including immune response to vaccines, and the focus of my research efforts is to design exercise protocols that enhance immune response to vaccines in young and elderly populations. To understand the neuroendocrine mechanisms by which exercise influences immune response, I have used a mouse model of exercise intervention and hormone receptor antagonists to elucidate the neuroendocrine mechanisms. Another goal of the lab is to study the role of nutrition on immune function. Proper nutrition and adequate exercise reduce the risk of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and strokes. Clearly, both nutrition and exercise may also have an impact on immune function and we are initiating studies to investigate this role.

The Exercise Immunology Laboratory, located in the Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, is equipped with table top centrifuge, Molecular Devices V max kinetic microplate reader, chemical hood, Leitz dissecting scope, Leitz binocular microscope, vibratome sectioning equipment, GE refrigerator, pH meter, digital balance, water bath and assorted small equipment. This space is equipped for tissue culture and contains a laminar flow hood and CO2 incubator. Additionally, a -80°C freezer and liquid nitrogen tank allows for long-term storage of human and rodent cell and tissue samples. The animal facility is located in the Wayne Rollins Research Center across from the exercise immunology laboratory. Two animal treadmills (to exercise mice) are placed here to ensure that the mice are exercised in the same environment as they are housed. BSL-2 and BSL-3 rooms are available in this facility for housing infected animals.