How aging cells change immune protection
Effect of senescent cells
['FUNDING_P01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-11319005
This work is seeing whether removing aging 'senescent' cells can help older adults' immune systems fight infections and respond better to vaccines.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11319005 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project focuses on senescent cells that build up with age and release inflammatory signals that can harm other cells, including immune cells. Researchers use lab studies and animal models to track how senescent cells affect adaptive immune cells and vaccine responses. They will test drugs that remove senescent cells to see if immune control of infections improves. The goal is to find approaches that could strengthen immunity in older people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Older adults, particularly those with weakened immune systems or a history of severe COVID-19 or poor vaccine responses, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Younger healthy people without age-related immune decline are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to treatments that lower harmful aging cells and boost older adults' ability to fight infections and respond to vaccines.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have shown that clearing senescent cells can improve immune control of infections, but applying this approach in people remains new.
Where this research is happening
MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA — MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: JAMESON, STEPHEN C — UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- Study coordinator: JAMESON, STEPHEN C
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.