How macrophages (immune cells) age and drive inflammation
Exploring the fundamental cellular mechanisms driving cellular senescence in macrophages
This project aims to learn how aging immune cells called macrophages start releasing inflammatory signals that can contribute to Alzheimer's, atherosclerosis, and other age-related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251922 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study macrophages to find the genes and signaling pathways that make them enter a senescent (aged, non-dividing) state. They will profile the inflammatory molecules these cells release (the SASP) and search for biomarkers that reliably identify senescent macrophages. The work will combine laboratory cell experiments, animal models, and analysis of human-derived samples to map mechanisms. Over five years the team plans to use these findings to point to targets that could reduce harmful inflammation in aging and disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be older adults or people with Alzheimer's disease or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease who are willing to provide blood or tissue samples or participate in local research visits.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment changes should not expect direct benefit because this is basic mechanistic research rather than a clinical treatment trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to reduce harmful inflammation by targeting senescent macrophages, which might slow or improve Alzheimer’s and atherosclerotic disease outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Some animal studies and early human-sample work suggest clearing senescent cells can improve function, but macrophage-specific mechanisms and therapies remain largely untested in people.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Covarrubias, Anthony Joseph — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Covarrubias, Anthony Joseph
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.