Understanding how aging affects immune cells in the lungs
Role of stromal inflammatory signaling in the aging of lung resident lymphocytes
This work explores how changes in the lung's environment as we get older might lead to problems with our immune system and age-related lung conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11142559 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our lungs have special immune cells that protect us, and these cells live in a supportive environment within the lung tissue. As we age, this environment can change, potentially making our immune system less effective and contributing to lung diseases. This project looks closely at these age-related changes in lung tissue, specifically focusing on how certain signals, like NF-kB, become more active in older lungs. By understanding these changes, we hope to learn why some people develop lung problems as they get older.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is most relevant to older adults who are concerned about or affected by age-related lung conditions.
Not a fit: Patients without age-related lung conditions or those not interested in the basic science of aging and immunity may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat age-related lung diseases by targeting the changes that happen in the lung's supportive tissues.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown that the tissue environment plays a key role in age-related immune changes, and this project builds on that knowledge with a novel focus on specific signaling pathways in the lung.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Allen, Nancy Christine — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Allen, Nancy Christine
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.