How aging affects immune protection in the female genital area
Official title: The impact of aging on neutrophil-mediated protection and inflammation in the female genital mucosa
Funded at Wayne State University · NIH-10784045 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects the immune system in women, especially how certain white blood cells called neutrophils help fight infections in the female genital area, with the goal of finding ways to better protect older women from these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $514,523 |
| NIH project number | 1U01AG084766-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10784045 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older women who may be experiencing or are at risk for urogenital infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger women or those without any history of urogenital infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging influences the immune response in the female genital tract, particularly focusing on neutrophils, which are crucial for fighting infections. The study aims to understand the mechanisms that protect against infections in younger and older women, especially as neutrophil function may change with age. By employing advanced multi-omics technologies, the research will explore the different types of neutrophils present and how their ability to respond to infections is affected by aging. This knowledge could lead to better preventive strategies for urogenital infections in older women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for urogenital infections in older women.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on aging and neutrophil function in the female genital tract is novel, related research has shown that understanding immune responses can lead to significant advancements in infection prevention.
Where this research is happening
-
Wayne State University
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rodriguez Garcia, Marta — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Rodriguez Garcia, Marta
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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.