Understanding how aging affects immune responses in lymph nodes during organ transplants
Official title: Lymph node stromal senescence and transplant immunity
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11083594 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how aging affects certain cells in the lymph nodes that help our bodies accept organ transplants, with the goal of finding ways to improve transplant success for older patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 3, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $596,444 |
| NIH project number | 5P01AI175397-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083594 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are elderly individuals who are on the waitlist for solid organ transplants.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not elderly or those who do not require organ transplants may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of lymph nodes in organ transplant immunity, particularly focusing on how aging alters the function of stromal cells known as fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs). As people age, these cells may become senescent and contribute to a pro-inflammatory environment that can hinder the acceptance of transplanted organs. The study aims to explore the changes in the lymph node microenvironment in elderly patients and how these changes impact immune responses to transplants. By understanding these mechanisms, the research seeks to improve transplant outcomes for older patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for organ transplant acceptance in elderly patients, potentially reducing transplant rejection rates.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses in aging, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abdi, Reza — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Abdi, Reza
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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.