Investigating how aging affects memory T cell function through CXCL13
Official title: CXCL13 as an aging-associated defect in memory T cell homeostasis
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10995729 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called CXCL13 helps keep our immune memory strong as we get older, which could explain why older adults often don’t respond as well to vaccines like the flu shot, and it aims to find ways to make vaccines work better for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 1F32AI186256-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995729 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who may have weakened immune responses due to aging.
✕Less likely to help
Younger individuals or those without age-related immune deficiencies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of CXCL13, a protein involved in immune response, in maintaining memory T cells as people age. By comparing T cells from younger and older adults, the study aims to understand why older individuals have weaker responses to vaccines, particularly against infections like influenza. The researchers will use advanced techniques, including CRISPR gene editing and single-cell RNA sequencing, to analyze how CXCL13 influences T cell behavior and identify the specific T cell populations affected by aging. This work could lead to improved vaccine strategies for older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance vaccine responses in older adults, reducing their susceptibility to infectious diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses in aging, but this specific approach using CXCL13 is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beppler, Casey — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Beppler, Casey
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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.