Aging immune cells and lysosome problems
Cellular senescence and Associated Lysosomal Dysfunction in Immune Aging
Researchers are learning how older immune cells and faulty cell 'recycling centers' (lysosomes) drive chronic inflammation so future treatments can reduce age-related damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Buck Institute for Research on Aging NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Novato, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285244 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at how senescent (old or damaged) immune cells build up and how their lysosomes stop working. Scientists will analyze immune cells taken from blood using flow cytometry and other lab tests to identify senescent T cells and measure lysosomal function. They will study how these cells send inflammatory signals and how they can cause nearby cells to become senescent. The team aims to find markers and targets that could help clear harmful cells or restore immune cell function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Older adults or people with signs of chronic inflammation who can provide blood samples and visit the Buck Institute (or partner clinics) would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Younger people without immune-aging, or anyone unable to give blood or travel to study sites, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to ways to lower chronic inflammation in older adults and lead to therapies that remove or repair harmful immune cells.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies and early human work removing senescent cells have reduced inflammation and improved function, but focusing specifically on senescence in human T cells is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Novato, United States
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging — Novato, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Verdin, Eric M. — Buck Institute for Research on Aging
- Study coordinator: Verdin, Eric M.
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 below.