How dietary fats affect immune cells and the development of atherosclerosis

A human in vivo feeding study of the blood monocyte response to dietary lipid intake

Dr Kevin Woollard and team at Imperial College London are looking at how dietary fats influence immune cells in the body. It is thought that the body’s own defence system, the immune system, drives the development of atherosclerosis, also called coronary heart disease. This disease process results in the build up of plaque within the arteries and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. As the biggest killer in the UK, an understanding of how dietary fats influence immune cells and the development of coronary heart disease is in need. Dr Woollard is exploring how dietary fats influence monocytes (a type of white blood cell), by monitoring human volunteer consumption of meals with different fat contents. In particular, the team are exploring how dietary fats affect the genes linked to inflammation and what molecular mechanisms are involved. By understanding how dietary fats activate these cells, the researchers will gain insights into how consuming fats can influence the heart, and encourage healthy eating to help protect people from heart disease.