Tracking immune system changes across adulthood
High resolution longitudinal immune monitoring for elucidating immune aging dynamics
This project follows adults over years to track how their immune systems change and link those changes to aging-related conditions like Alzheimer's and heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11192804 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers follow about 150 people, both younger (20–40) and older (60+), with yearly visits that include blood draws and a standard clinical exam. They measure immune cell types, whole-blood gene activity, serum cytokines, and antibody responses to the annual flu vaccine to build detailed, long-term immune profiles. From these data they calculate an individual's 'immune age' (IMM-AGE) to describe how the immune system is aging compared with chronological years. The team uses this longitudinal information to find immune markers associated with risks such as mortality, cardiovascular disease, and potentially Alzheimer's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults able to attend yearly in-person visits at Stanford, especially those aged 20–40 or 60+ who are willing to give blood samples and clinical information.
Not a fit: People looking for an immediate treatment or cure for Alzheimer's will not receive direct clinical benefit from this observational work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could identify blood-based immune markers that signal higher risk of Alzheimer's or cardiovascular problems earlier than current tests.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work from this cohort produced the IMM-AGE metric that predicted all-cause mortality and revealed immune links to cardiovascular risk, while use for Alzheimer's is a more recent extension.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davis, Mark Morris — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Davis, Mark Morris
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.