Restoring T-cell Immunity in Older Adults with Stem-Cell Derived Thymic Cells
Official title: Restoring T-cell Immunity in Older Adults with Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Thymic Epithelial Cells
Funded at University of Connecticut Storrs · NIH-11432090 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers aim to help older adults have a stronger immune system by using stem-cell techniques to rebuild thymic cells that support T-cell development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Storrs NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Storrs-Mansfield, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $608,095 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG102888-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11432090 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults with age-related T-cell immunodeficiency who could be candidates for future therapies that restore thymic function.
✕Less likely to help
May not benefit individuals with causes of immune deficiency unrelated to thymic function or those unable to receive stem-cell–based therapies.
What this research studies
As we age, the thymus shrinks and our ability to produce protective T cells declines, making infections and illnesses more dangerous. This project builds on a method that turns stem cells into thymic epithelial progenitors and then into thymic cells, which can recreate a healthier thymic environment. By using CRISPR tools to probe the role of key genes like Hoxa3, researchers plan to identify how to best support T-cell development in aged individuals. The work combines stem cell biology, gene editing, and protein-based strategies to restore T-cell output in older adults. If successful, this approach could lead to new therapies that boost vaccine responses and reduce infection risk in aging populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Potential to restore better T-cell production in older adults, improving infection resistance and vaccine responses.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in mice showed that stem-cell–derived thymic cells can restore thymic structure and support T-cell development, suggesting potential translation to humans.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Storrs
Storrs-Mansfield, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lai, Laijun — University of Connecticut Storrs
- Study coordinator: Lai, Laijun
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.