How age and sex affect immune responses to pneumonia bacteria
THE IMPACT OF ADVANCED AGE AND SEX ON HUMORAL IMMUNITY TO STREPTOCOCCUS PNEUMONIAE
['FUNDING_R01'] · WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-10914883
This study is looking at how age and gender affect how well older adults respond to pneumonia vaccines, especially since older men and women seem to react differently, and the goal is to find ways to make these vaccines work better for them.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WINSTON-SALEM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10914883 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates how advanced age and sex differences influence the immune response to Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacterium responsible for severe pneumonia. The study aims to understand why elderly males and females show different antibody responses to pneumococcal vaccines. By examining these differences, researchers hope to identify ways to enhance vaccine efficacy in older adults, particularly as antibiotic-resistant strains of the bacteria become more common. The approach includes analyzing immune responses in both human subjects and mouse models to uncover the underlying biological mechanisms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are elderly adults, particularly those aged 65 and older, who may be at higher risk for pneumococcal disease.
Not a fit: Patients under 21 years old or those without significant risk factors for pneumonia may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved vaccine strategies that better protect elderly individuals from pneumonia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding sex differences in immune responses can lead to more effective treatments, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
WINSTON-SALEM, UNITED STATES
- WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES — WINSTON-SALEM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HAAS, KAREN M — WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: HAAS, KAREN 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.