How aging affects the immune system and brain function in different primate species
Official title: Relationships between immunosenescence, brain aging biomarkers, and cognition across nonhuman primate species of differing lifespans
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11193433 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how getting older affects our immune system and brain health by observing monkeys of different ages, and it hopes to find ways to improve health in older adults by understanding these changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $675,059 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG087914-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11193433 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing cognitive decline or age-related immune dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute immune disorders or those not experiencing age-related changes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging impacts the immune system and cognitive function by studying nonhuman primates with varying lifespans. It focuses on understanding the changes in immune cell markers and their relationship to neurodegenerative biomarkers and cognitive decline. By examining these relationships, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind age-related immune dysfunction and its effects on brain health. The findings could lead to new immuno-restorative strategies to enhance health in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for maintaining cognitive health and longevity in aging populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune aging and its effects on health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mulholland, Michele M — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Mulholland, Michele M
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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.