How aging affects heart immune cells and heart failure during infections
Official title: Role of Aging on cardiac macrophage dysfunction and heart failure during infection
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-10620781 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how getting older affects the immune cells in the heart, especially during infections, to help us understand why older adults are more at risk for heart problems and find better treatments for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 15, 2022 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $196,875 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG073720-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10620781 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are elderly individuals, particularly those with a history of cardiac issues or infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger or do not have any cardiovascular conditions or infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging impacts the function of immune cells in the heart, particularly during infections. It focuses on the elderly population, who are more vulnerable to cardiac infections due to chronic inflammation, a phenomenon known as 'inflamm-aging.' The study aims to understand the changes in heart immune cells during infections and how these changes contribute to heart failure. By examining the mechanisms behind these processes, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic strategies for elderly patients suffering from cardiac infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for elderly patients with heart infections, potentially reducing the risk of heart failure and death.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses in aging, but this specific approach to cardiac infections in the elderly is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rajaram, Murugesan — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Rajaram, Murugesan
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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.