How aging affects immune cell function and inflammation
Official title: Mitochondrial determinants of monocyte dysfunction in aging
Funded at University of Memphis · NIH-10514864 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects certain immune cells called monocytes, which play a key role in managing inflammation, and it aims to find a way to improve their function through a new method that involves using healthy cell parts, so we can better understand and potentially help with age-related immune issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Memphis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $414,136 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AG078906-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10514864 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing immune dysfunction or chronic inflammatory conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger or do not have any immune dysfunction or chronic inflammatory conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging impacts the function of monocytes, which are important immune cells that help regulate inflammation. The study aims to understand the metabolic changes in these cells due to aging and how these changes contribute to immune dysfunction and chronic inflammation. Researchers will explore a novel approach to restore the metabolic function of aged monocytes through mitochondrial transplantation, using both human and mouse models to validate their findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve immune function and reduce inflammation in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of mitochondrial transplantation in this context is novel, previous research has shown promising results in understanding the link between metabolism and immune function in aging.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Memphis
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pence, Brandt D. — University of Memphis
- Study coordinator: Pence, Brandt D.
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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.