How the mitochondrial protein NLRX1 affects the aging immune system
Investigating the interface of NLRX1 and immune aging
This project looks at whether lower levels of the mitochondrial protein NLRX1 change how immune cells behave as people get older.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11178414 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers will compare blood immune cells from older and younger adults to measure NLRX1 levels and immune cell types. They will use mouse models that lack NLRX1 to reproduce aging-like changes in T cells and study how those cells function. The team will perform gene sequencing on memory T cells to see which immune pathways are altered when NLRX1 is low. Together these approaches aim to link changes seen in human blood to mechanisms found in animals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults willing to donate a small blood sample and interested in contributing to research on immune aging.
Not a fit: People seeking an immediate treatment, those with acute infections, or those whose health concerns are unrelated to aging immunity are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify ways to preserve healthier immune function with age or point to targets for therapies that reduce infections and other age-related immune problems.
How similar studies have performed: Prior mouse studies and preliminary human blood data suggest NLRX1 changes with age, but translating these findings into treatments is still largely untested and novel.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kang, Insoo — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Kang, Insoo
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.