Understanding how biological sex affects immune responses and infection susceptibility
Official title: Genetic Modeling the Integration of Biological Sex, Immunity, and Metabolism
Funded at Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr · NIH-10997032 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how being male or female affects your immune system and metabolism, and how these differences might make you more or less likely to get infections, with the goal of finding better, personalized treatments for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $37,652 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AI186487-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997032 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals under 21 years old who may be experiencing infections or related metabolic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are over 21 years old or do not have any infections or metabolic disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of biological sex on the immune system and metabolism, focusing on how these factors influence an individual's susceptibility to infections. By examining sex-specific traits and their role in energy management during immune responses, the study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that dictate how different individuals respond to pathogens. The research utilizes a combination of biological modeling and analysis of metabolic pathways to explore these complex interactions. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more personalized treatment approaches based on their biological sex.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for infections that consider biological sex differences.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding sex differences in immune responses can lead to significant advancements in treatment strategies, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: August, Heather — Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
- Study coordinator: August, Heather
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.