Activating cell-protection pathways in aging immune cells after pneumonia to reduce muscle weakness and thinking problems
Official title: Project 3: Activating proteostasis in aging resident macrophages to prevent muscle and cognitive dysfunction after pneumonia
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11265973 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant looks at how aging immune cells in the brain and body respond after pneumonia, with the goal of preventing problems with thinking and muscle strength as people get older.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2015 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $685,243 |
| NIH project number | 2P01AG049665-11A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11265973 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults who have recovered from pneumonia or whose immune systems resemble aging-related changes.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without age-related risk factors or those not recovering from pneumonia may not benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers at Northwestern University are studying how aging affects immune cells called microglia and other cells after pneumonia, aiming to uncover how these changes lead to long-term muscle weakness and cognitive difficulties. The work follows mouse experiments to identify intercellular signals that cause age-related vulnerability and tests potential interventions that could modify these pathways. The project integrates findings from brain and skeletal muscle tissue to understand common mechanisms driving disability after severe lung infection. If successful, the research could point to new strategies to protect older patients from lasting cognitive and physical harm after respiratory illness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the approaches are effective, they could help prevent or lessen age-related muscle loss and cognitive problems after pneumonia in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in mice suggest age-related microglia changes after pneumonia can be linked to lasting dysfunction, informing this line of work.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Misharin, Alexander — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Misharin, Alexander
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.