Boosting Immune Health in Older Adults
Project 1 - Dixit
This research explores how a natural hormone called FGF21 might help improve the immune system in older adults by rejuvenating the thymus gland.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11141097 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As we age, our thymus gland, which is crucial for creating new immune cells, tends to shrink and become less effective. This decline in immune function, known as immune-senescence, makes older adults more vulnerable to infections, certain cancers, and less responsive to vaccines. Our team has found that a hormone called FGF21, which is involved in metabolism, can protect against this age-related decline in the thymus in animal models. We are now working to understand how FGF21 works to keep the thymus healthy and prevent the accumulation of fat within it.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research aims to benefit older adults who experience a natural decline in immune function due to aging.
Not a fit: Patients who do not experience age-related immune decline or thymic involution may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to strengthen the immune system in older adults, making them more resilient to illness and improving vaccine effectiveness.
How similar studies have performed: Our previous work in aged mice has shown that increasing FGF21 can protect against immune-senescence by improving thymus function.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dixit, Vishwa Deep — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Dixit, Vishwa Deep
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.