Calorie reduction's effects on immune-linked inflammation in aging

Caloric restriction-driven immunometabolic checkpoints of inflammation

NIH-funded research Yale University · NIH-11304067

This project looks at whether eating fewer calories changes immune activity and chronic inflammation in adults, especially older people, to help lower age-related disease risk.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project IDNIH-11304067 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Researchers will analyze blood, immune cells, and fat tissue samples collected from people who took part in a two-year moderate calorie-reduction program (CALERIE-II). Lab tests and molecular profiling will search for immune and metabolic pathways that calm the chronic inflammation that comes with aging. The team will compare signals in plasma, immune cells, and adipose tissue to find biomarkers and potential targets for therapies. Results could point to new treatments or lifestyle approaches to reduce risks for Alzheimer's and other age-related illnesses.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults interested in research on aging and inflammation—particularly older adults or people willing to participate in calorie-reduction studies or donate blood and fat tissue samples.

Not a fit: People under 18, or those with medical conditions that make calorie reduction unsafe, are unlikely to benefit from or be eligible for this work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify biological targets or markers that help reduce chronic inflammation and lower the risk or severity of age-related diseases like Alzheimer's.

How similar studies have performed: Animal studies show calorie restriction can extend healthspan, and CALERIE-II is among the first large human efforts providing material to explore these immune and metabolic effects in people.

Where this research is happening

New Haven, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.