Understanding how aging cells affect immune responses and infection control
Official title: The role of senescent cells in dysregulating immune responses and pathogen control
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11053480 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how old cells in our body can make it harder for our immune system to fight off infections, like COVID-19, and aims to find out how these cells affect our overall immune health as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | March 11, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $2,709,110 |
| NIH project number | 5P01AI172501-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11053480 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those experiencing age-related immune dysfunction or chronic infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger and do not have age-related immune issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how senescent cells, which accumulate with age, disrupt the immune system's ability to respond to infections. It focuses on the role of these aging cells in both weakening immune responses and potentially causing harmful inflammatory reactions. By examining the interactions between senescent immune cells and other immune populations, the study aims to uncover new insights into age-related immune dysfunction, particularly in the context of infections like COVID-19.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing immune responses in older adults, improving their ability to fight infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of senescent cells in immune dysfunction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jameson, Stephen C — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Jameson, Stephen 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.