How aging affects T cells and the immune system
T Cell Homeostasis and Function in Immune Senescence
This project looks at how lifelong viral infection and everyday stresses can make T cells and overall immunity weaker as people age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11299026 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
They use aged mice that carry a lifelong cytomegalovirus infection to model how human immune systems change over time. To better mimic human life, the mice are exposed to low-dose radiation, stress hormones (corticosterone), and non‑sterile microbiota to reproduce common infections and stresses. Researchers track T cell numbers, function, and virus reactivation to see how these factors combine to weaken immune defenses. Earlier work showed the virus shortens healthspan mainly when animals face major stressors, so this work aims to connect those effects to human-like exposures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Older adults, especially those known to carry cytomegalovirus (CMV) or with concerns about age-related immune decline, would be the population most likely to benefit from follow-up human studies derived from this work.
Not a fit: Younger people and individuals without lifelong CMV infection are less likely to see direct benefits from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to protect older adults' T cells and reduce infection risk or improve vaccine responses in aging populations.
How similar studies have performed: Previous mouse studies have shown that CMV-like infections can worsen immune aging when combined with stressors, but translating those findings to human treatments remains early.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nikolich, Janko Z. — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Nikolich, Janko Z.
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.