Cynthia Wenner, PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Basic Science1 cindyw@bastyr.edu
My research interests are focused on the study of immunological activities of botanical medicines and other natural products. I am currently studying the immunomodulatory effects of distinct Echinacea extracts on measures of innate and T cell specific immunity, and the effects of Echinacea constituents alone and in combination on these same immune measures, in order to determine the potential for different constituent groups to synergize in their bioactivities. My research group is also studying the effects of cytochrome P450 metabolites of Echinacea extracts and constituents on human T cell and monocyte/macrophage responses.
I am also leading a study under the auspices of a NCCAM/NIH funded Developmental CAM Research Center that is designed to determine the potential for a complex medicinal mushroom preparation from Trametes (Coriolus) versicolor to enhance anti-cancer immune responses, including NK cell activity, phagocytic activity and cytokine responses, and activity of immune cells in peripheral blood from healthy humans. For this study, we will also examine the potential for distinct fractions to synergize in modulation of these immune parameters.
I am able to mentor students interested in working on these ongoing studies who have lab experience in cell culture and have a strong knowledge base in the field of immunology.
