Investigating how aging affects the immune response to viruses in older adults
Official title: Understand the molecular mechanism of age-associated decline in antiviral CD8 T cell immunity
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10910173 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects a part of our immune system that helps fight off viruses, like COVID-19 and the flu, and aims to find ways to boost immunity in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $246,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG083398-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10910173 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who may be at risk for viral infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients younger than 65 or those without significant age-related immune decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how age-related changes in the immune system, particularly in CD8 T cells, impact the body's ability to fight viral infections. By studying a mouse model, the researchers aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms that lead to a decline in antiviral immunity as people age. The findings could help develop new strategies to enhance immune responses in older adults, especially in the context of infections like COVID-19 and influenza. The study will explore how aging affects T cell function and the potential pathways that can be targeted to improve immunity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and vaccines that better protect older adults from viral infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses in aging, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Tuoqi — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Wu, Tuoqi
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.