Understanding how age-related B cell types can help older adults fight influenza
Official title: How Distinct Age-Associated B Cell Subsets Can Protect the Aged from Influenza
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-10979867 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain B cells in older adults can help fight off the flu on their own, with the goal of creating better vaccines and treatments to keep seniors healthier during flu season.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 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 | August 19, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $586,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI179760-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10979867 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those who may have weakened immune responses due to aging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger and have a robust immune system may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific types of B cells, which change with age, can help protect older adults from influenza infections. The study focuses on understanding the immune response in aged individuals, particularly how certain B cells can produce antibodies without needing help from other immune cells. By examining these age-associated B cell subsets, the research aims to develop better vaccines and treatments for the elderly, who are often more vulnerable to influenza and other respiratory viruses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved vaccines that better protect older adults from influenza and similar viral infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune responses in aging, but this specific approach focusing on age-associated B cell subsets is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Swain, Susan L — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Swain, Susan L
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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.