Aging, T cells, and CIDP: how senescence may drive nerveautoimmunity
Official title: Aging and T cell Senescence in Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11294895 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant looks at why CIDP, a chronic autoimmune nerve disease, happens more in older people by studying aging-like changes in immune cells and how they might push nerve cells to become dysfunctional.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $236,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS146827-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11294895 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with CIDP or at risk for CIDP, especially those in the older age groups commonly affected.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without CIDP or those not involved in immune or nerve-related studies may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
CIDP is a chronic autoimmune neuropathy that disproportionately affects older adults. The project explores aging-related changes in T cells, especially senescence, and how these cells may signal nearby nerve-supporting Schwann cells to deteriorate. Through mouse experiments and human cell studies, researchers will test whether senescent T cells trigger Schwann cells to become dysfunctional and whether a drug called ruxolitinib can block this process. If successful, this work could reveal new angles to treat or prevent CIDP in aging patients. The research is conducted at UCLA under the supervision of Maureen A. Su and relies on patient samples and animal models.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding the role of aging and T cell senescence in CIDP could lead to new treatments that slow or prevent nerve damage in older patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown increased senescent T cells in CIDP models and patient samples, supporting potential translation to therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Su, Maureen a — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Su, Maureen a
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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.