How aging affects neutrophils and stroke recovery
Official title: Aging Exacerbates Neutrophil Persistence and Negatively Impacts Stroke Outcomes
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10864541 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a type of immune cell called neutrophils affects recovery after a stroke, especially in older adults, to see if understanding their behavior can help improve healing for those who have had a stroke.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $440,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG086751-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10864541 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who have experienced an ischemic stroke.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger or have not experienced a stroke may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of neutrophils, a type of immune cell, in the recovery process after ischemic stroke, particularly in older adults. It aims to understand how aging influences the persistence of these cells in the brain following a stroke and how this impacts recovery outcomes. By analyzing gene expression data, the study focuses on a specific transcription factor, Nr4a2, which may play a critical role in neutrophil behavior in the context of stroke. The findings could lead to new therapeutic strategies to improve recovery for older stroke patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved recovery strategies for older adults who suffer from strokes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of immune cells in stroke recovery, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Batra, Ayush — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Batra, Ayush
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A study from UW–Madison looks at why swallowing trouble after stroke persists, and whether age and tongue exercises can help restore swallowing more than just using tricks.
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Aging immune reactions to released mitochondria worsen thinking and memory after stroke
This project explores whether age-related immune changes make mitochondria released after stroke trigger inflammation that worsens thinking and memory in older stroke survivors.
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.