How the thymus environment drives early immune aging and self-tolerance
Role of the microenvironment in regulating early stages of thymic involution and central tolerance
This project looks at how age-related changes around the thymus cause early loss of new T cells and problems preventing the immune system from attacking the body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308366 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team studies why the thymus starts losing its ability to make new T cells early in life, focusing on changes in the bone marrow and thymus microenvironments. They combine mouse models, genetic tools, advanced two-photon imaging, and analysis of human samples to track early T-cell progenitors and signaling pathways such as NOTCH. The work examines how fewer early T-cell progenitors and altered signaling could reduce responses to infections, vaccines, and tumors and raise the risk of autoimmunity. Findings aim to reveal targets that could be used to restore thymic function or improve central tolerance with age.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults, especially older individuals with signs of immune aging or autoimmune disease, would be the most relevant participants or donors for related human-sample work.
Not a fit: People without age-related immune decline or whose conditions are unrelated to thymic function are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to boost new T cell production in older adults, improving vaccine responses and reducing autoimmune risk.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal studies have linked thymic involution and NOTCH signaling to reduced T cell output, but translating these findings into human therapies remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ehrlich, Lauren Ilyse Richie — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Ehrlich, Lauren Ilyse Richie
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.