Investigating how aging affects the immune response to pneumonia vaccines
Official title: The role of A1 adenosine receptor signaling in the decline of S. pneumoniae killing by neutrophils in vaccinated aged hosts
Funded at State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-11004983 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why older adults, even after getting vaccinated, have a harder time fighting off pneumonia caused by a common germ, and it will help us understand how changes in their immune cells affect their ability to protect themselves.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $33,858 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AI169889-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004983 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 65 and older who have received pneumococcal vaccinations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those who have not been vaccinated against pneumococcal infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the decline in the immune system's ability to kill Streptococcus pneumoniae, a common cause of pneumonia, in older adults despite vaccination. It focuses on how age-related changes in adenosine receptor signaling impact the function of immune cells called polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). By examining these mechanisms, the research aims to identify why vaccinated elderly individuals experience reduced protection against pneumonia. The study will utilize laboratory techniques to analyze PMNs from both young and aged hosts to understand the differences in their bacterial killing capabilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved vaccine strategies that enhance protection against pneumonia in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that age-related changes in immune function can impact vaccine efficacy, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Buffalo
Amherst, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Simmons, Shaunna — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Simmons, Shaunna
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.