Understanding how aging affects lymph nodes and immune function
Official title: Role of lymphatic endothelial cell NFkB signaling in adult lymph node homeostasis
Funded at Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-10741299 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how aging affects lymph nodes, which are important for our immune system, and it aims to find ways to improve immune responses in older adults by understanding the changes that happen in these nodes as we get older.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $513,957 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG077150-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10741299 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing age-related immune decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 21 or do not have age-related immune issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the cellular mechanisms that maintain lymph nodes (LNs) as people age, focusing on how aging leads to LN atrophy and fibrosis, which can impair immune responses. The study will explore the role of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and their signaling pathways, particularly the NFkB signaling, in regulating LN health. By using advanced 3D modeling and cell culture techniques, the research aims to uncover the molecular changes that occur in aged LNs and how these changes affect immune function. The ultimate goal is to identify potential therapies that could enhance immune responses in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve immune function in elderly individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune function and aging, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kataru, Raghu Prasad — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Kataru, Raghu Prasad
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understand how skeletal muscle nuclei specialize and arrange themselves for proper muscle function
A study to uncover how the hundreds of nuclei in skeletal muscle fibers acquire different roles and positions to keep muscles strong and healthy.
-
Genomic profiling and outcomes of cancers in World Trade Center-exposed survivors and responders
This project looks at the genetic makeup and real-world cancer outcomes in people exposed to the World Trade Center disaster to understand how their cancers behave and respond to treatments.
-
Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Mexican Patients with Advanced Cancer
A cancer center in Mexico will test a culturally adapted therapy to help Mexican patients with advanced cancer find meaning, peace, and purpose at the end of life.
-
High-specificity genome-scale cell-surface proteomics to find tumor targets
A cancer research project is trying to map all the proteins on the surface of ultra-rare sarcoma cells to find safe, targeted ways to treat them.
-
Priorities for testing and choosing combination therapies in rhabdoid tumors to guide clinical trials
A coordinated, multi-site effort will rigorously test promising drug combinations in rhabdoid tumors to identify the most promising options for future patient trials.
-
ecDNA in Cancer: Understanding and targeting circular DNA that drives tumor growth
A cancer-focused project to understand how extrachromosomal DNA helps tumors grow and resist treatment, and to develop new ways to target these mechanisms.
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.