How aging affects vaccine responses in B cells
Official title: Impact of aging on human B cell vaccine responses
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11084398 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects the way our immune system responds to vaccines, especially focusing on B cells that help make antibodies, to find out why older adults might not respond as well to vaccines and how we can make them work better for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | May 6, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $565,200 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AI180164-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084398 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 65 and older who may experience diminished vaccine responses due to aging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those with pre-existing conditions that severely compromise their immune systems may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging impacts the immune response to vaccines, particularly focusing on B cells, which are crucial for producing antibodies. The study aims to identify specific age-related changes in B cells that may hinder their ability to respond effectively to vaccines. By using advanced techniques, including a novel human tonsil organoid model, researchers will explore the mechanisms behind B cell dysfunction in older adults. The goal is to better understand these changes over time and improve vaccine efficacy in the aging population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved vaccine strategies for older adults, enhancing their immune responses and overall health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses in aging, but this specific focus on B cells and their role in vaccine responses is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nicholas, Dequina Angelina — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Nicholas, Dequina Angelina
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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.