Understanding how a special spleen B cell protects us from infections as we age
Official title: Integrative approaches defining the ontogeny, maintenance, and immune response dynamics of marginal-zone B cells
Funded at Columbia Univ New York Morningside · NIH-11400483 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A long-term research project will study a specific type of immune cell in the spleen to understand how it protects adults from blood-borne infections and how aging changes its behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia Univ New York Morningside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 7, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $529,278 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI170965-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11400483 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with autoimmune tendencies or susceptibility to antibody-mediated infections may be most relevant for future studies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without autoimmune or infectious risk factors may have less direct benefit from this basic science project.
What this research studies
This project will combine math modeling with lab studies to map how marginal-zone B cells develop, survive, and respond to different infections across life. Researchers aim to uncover why these cells decline or malfunction in autoimmune conditions and how that affects IgM protection and sepsis risk. The work could reveal new angles to keep antibody protection strong in adults, especially as they age. Participants may contribute by providing samples or clinical data if relevant, but the primary focus is on understanding immune cell dynamics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Findings could lead to better strategies to boost early antibody protection and reduce severe infections in adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that MZ B cells are important for early defense; this project aims to add a deeper, age-related map of their dynamics.
Where this research is happening
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Columbia Univ New York Morningside
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rane, Sanket — Columbia Univ New York Morningside
- Study coordinator: Rane, Sanket
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.