Investigating stress and immune responses in aging and mood disorders.

Leadership Administrative Core

NIH-funded research Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10766720

This study is looking at how stress and immune system changes from pregnancy can influence mood and lead to depression in older adults, and it aims to find better treatments by understanding how these factors differ between men and women.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10766720 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how stress and immune system abnormalities, starting from fetal development, affect mood regulation and contribute to recurrent major depressive disorder (MDD) in older adults. By examining sex differences in brain circuitry and hormonal responses, the study aims to develop targeted therapies that consider these differences. The project involves collaboration among various scientific disciplines to enhance knowledge and training regarding these issues, ultimately translating findings into practical applications for patient care.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include older adults experiencing mood disorders, particularly those with a history of recurrent major depressive disorder.

Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing mood disorders or are younger than the targeted age group may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective, sex-specific treatments for mood disorders in older adults.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding sex differences in mood disorders, indicating that this approach could yield significant insights.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions cardiovascular disorderCardiovascular Diseases
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.