How lymph node structure affects loss of naïve T cells with age
The role of lymph node structural organization in naïve T cell decline with age
This research looks at whether age-related changes in lymph node support cells cause the loss of naïve T cells in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Scottsdale, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11320737 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would learn how the tiny scaffold cells and overall layout of lymph nodes change as people age and how those changes affect naïve T cells. The team will use detailed 3-D and two-photon imaging, studies in mice, and analysis of human tissue and blood samples to watch how naïve T cells move, stick to support cells, and survive. Researchers will manipulate key signaling pathways in tissue models and animal experiments to test whether fixing those signals can improve T cell survival. The work aims to pinpoint specific structural or molecular problems in aged lymph nodes that could be targeted to help older immune systems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults—especially older adults with signs of age-related immune decline—who can consent to blood draws or provide lymph node tissue for research would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: Young healthy adults or people who cannot provide tissue samples or undergo the required procedures are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to preserve or restore naïve T cells in older adults, improving protection against new infections and vaccine responses.
How similar studies have performed: Previous mouse and human studies have described lymph node aging and changes in fibroblastic reticular cells, but turning those observations into treatments to rescue naïve T cells remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Scottsdale, United States
- Mayo Clinic Arizona — Scottsdale, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lancaster, Jessica N — Mayo Clinic Arizona
- Study coordinator: Lancaster, Jessica N
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.