Understanding how aging affects the immune response to brain injuries
Official title: Aging and Innate immune system resilience in TBI
Funded at James a. Haley VA Medical Center · NIH-11109462 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how aging affects the immune system's response to brain injuries in older adults and is testing a new treatment using tiny particles from fat cells that might help improve recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | James a. Haley VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005708-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11109462 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who have experienced a traumatic brain injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger or have not suffered a traumatic brain injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of aging on the immune system's response to traumatic brain injury (TBI), particularly focusing on older patients who are at a higher risk for severe outcomes. The study explores the use of exosomes derived from human adipose stem cells as a potential therapy, which may have a longer therapeutic window compared to current treatments. By examining how these exosomes interact with the immune system, the research aims to develop optimized therapies tailored for older individuals. The goal is to fill the knowledge gaps regarding the effectiveness of this intervention across different age groups.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted therapies that improve recovery outcomes for older patients suffering from traumatic brain injuries.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of adipose-derived stem cell therapies is being explored, this specific approach focusing on older populations and the immune response is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
James a. Haley VA Medical Center
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bickford, Paula C — James a. Haley VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Bickford, Paula C
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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.