Immunometabolism and Aging in Sepsis and Sepsis Survivors
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11463262 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how metabolism and immune health affect people who have survived sepsis, with the goal of improving long‑term health and reducing future infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $522,761 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG104350-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11463262 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who have survived sepsis and are at risk for post-sepsis complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a history of sepsis or those not at risk for post-sepsis complications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
Sepsis survivors often face ongoing health problems, including more infections, faster aging of the body, and worse cardiovascular health. The project looks at how metabolism and immune function interact in sepsis and after recovery to identify pathways that could be targeted to improve recovery and prevent decline. Researchers plan to study immune and metabolic markers, possibly using patient data and samples, to understand why post-sepsis syndrome develops and how to counteract it. If successful, the work could lead to new strategies to support aging and immune health in this high‑risk group.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new treatments or lifestyle approaches that improve immune and metabolic health for sepsis survivors, reducing complications and improving quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: There is growing interest in post-sepsis syndrome and immunometabolism, with preliminary data suggesting metabolic-immune links, but this area remains emerging and exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zuckerbraun, Brian Scott — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Zuckerbraun, Brian Scott
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Sepsis, aging, and brain changes in Alzheimer's disease models
This project studies how severe infections like sepsis might worsen brain changes linked to aging and Alzheimer’s disease, using mouse models to understand potential impacts on people who might be at risk.
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Understanding the links between sepsis, aging, and healthcare access in the U.S.
This study looks at how things like age, other health issues, and access to good healthcare can affect the risk of getting sepsis, with the hope of finding ways to help people stay healthier and get better care.
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Exploring circular RNAs in sepsis and organ failure related to aging
This study is looking at how special RNA molecules might help us understand and treat sepsis and organ damage in older adults, especially when they get infections, to find better ways to help them recover.
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Reducing inflammation in older adults to protect organs during sepsis
This study looks at how getting older can make inflammation and organ problems worse in older adults with sepsis, and it explores how a special protein called Klotho might help improve recovery, aiming to find better treatments for these patients.
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How sepsis-related inflammation affects the aging brain and Alzheimer-type changes
This research looks at whether the strong inflammation from sepsis speeds up Alzheimer-type brain changes or causes lasting thinking problems in older adults.
-
How severe infections affect brain health in older adults and those with Alzheimer's disease
This study looks at how serious infections like sepsis might affect brain health in older adults, especially those showing early signs of Alzheimer's, to see if the body's response to infection can lead to more memory problems down the line.
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.