The role of platelets in immune responses to respiratory infections in older adults
Official title: Platelet-MLKL role in S100 Release with Age and Infection
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11117768 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how age influences how our platelets respond to respiratory infections like the flu and COVID-19, especially in older adults, to better understand why they might face more serious health issues, like blood clots, during these illnesses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $460,625 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG093333-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11117768 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who are at risk for severe respiratory infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients younger than 65 or those without risk factors for severe respiratory infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how age affects the immune response of platelets during respiratory infections like influenza and COVID-19. It focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which platelets contribute to complications such as blood clots in older patients. The study will explore how a specific protein, MLKL, in platelets may lead to the release of certain immune molecules when activated by viral infections. By examining these processes, the research aims to uncover new insights into why older adults are more susceptible to severe outcomes from these infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and preventive strategies for older adults facing serious complications from respiratory infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the role of platelets in immune responses can lead to significant advancements in treating infections, suggesting a promising avenue for this study.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koupenova, Milka — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Koupenova, Milka
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.