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The Gene Food Podcast


Oct 15, 2019

Today, our guest is Dr. Theoharis Theoharides, a world renowned expert on mast cells and the immune system. Dr. Theoharides is a Stanford and Yale trained immunologist who currently serves on the faculty at Tufts University School of Medicine. Dr. Theoharides' lab investigates the mechanism of selective secretion of cytokines and other pro-inflammatory molecules from mast cells, cells which the layperson can think of as the "military sentinels of the immune system." When the body senses an invader, or even in response to stress, mast cells release a cocktail of weaponry designed to kill the intruder. In a state of good health, this mast cell activity is a benefit. However, when mast cells become chronically activated, the increase in immune activity contributes to many of the chronic diseases plaguing the western world. In today's episode, we shine a spotlight on the work Dr. Theoharides has done with autistic children and discuss practical strategies for quieting down the immune system.