How aging affects the physical properties of lymph nodes
Official title: Biophysical properties of lymph nodes in aging
Funded at Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-10867947 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older changes the way our lymph nodes work, which are important for our immune system, to help understand why older people might not respond as well to infections and vaccines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $419,170 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG086716-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10867947 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who may be experiencing weakened immune responses due to aging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger or do not have any age-related immune deficiencies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging impacts the biophysical properties of lymph nodes, which play a crucial role in the immune response. It focuses on understanding how changes in the composition of lymph node tissue, such as increased stiffness and the accumulation of adipose tissue, affect the migration and activation of immune cells like T and B cells. By examining these relationships, the study aims to uncover why older individuals may have a diminished response to infections and vaccines. The research employs advanced techniques to measure the elastic and viscous properties of lymph node tissues, providing insights into their functionality in aging.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing immune responses in older adults, potentially improving vaccine efficacy and infection resistance.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific correlation of biophysical properties in lymph nodes has not been extensively studied, related research has shown that understanding tissue mechanics can significantly impact immune cell function.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Maryland, College Park
College Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maisel, Katharina — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Maisel, Katharina
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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.