Mice to understand how aging affects infection and immunity
Mouse and Infection Models
['FUNDING_P01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-11318999
Researchers are using young and aged mice to see whether removing senescent cells helps older immune systems fight infections better.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11318999 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team will compare immune responses in young versus chronologically aged mice, including genetically engineered lines that mark or let researchers remove senescent cells. They will breed and maintain these mouse lines, generate acute viruses, and expose animals to a diverse microbial mix using pet-store mouse bedding to mimic real-world infections. The researchers will test short-term senolytic drugs and genetic ablation of senescent cells to see how these interventions change specific immune cell responses after infection. Results aim to reveal how increased senescent cell burden with age affects antiviral immunity and to guide future therapies for older people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll people — it uses young and aged mice, including genetically engineered lines, rather than human participants.
Not a fit: People seeking direct participation or immediate clinical treatments will not benefit because the work is preclinical and performed in mice.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to therapies that restore immune strength in older adults and reduce severe infections.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier mouse studies from this group and others showed that clearing senescent cells or giving senolytic drugs improved infection outcomes in aged mice, but human benefits are not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA — MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HAMILTON HART, SARA ELIZABETH — UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- Study coordinator: HAMILTON HART, SARA ELIZABETH
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 below.