Understanding how natural immunity changes with age in men and women
The Role of Biological Sex in the Self-renewal of B1 Cells into Old Age in Mice and Humans
This project looks at how our natural defenses, called B1 cells, stay strong or weaken as we get older, especially noticing differences between men and women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Western Michigan Univ School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kalamazoo, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11192909 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As we age, our immune system can become less effective, making us more vulnerable to illness. This project explores how a specific type of immune cell, called B1 cells, changes over time, particularly focusing on why natural antibodies might protect older women better than older men. Researchers will investigate these differences to understand how our bodies maintain protection against diseases as we age. The goal is to uncover the biological reasons behind these changes, which could lead to new ways to keep older adults healthier.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant to older adults, particularly those interested in how their immune system changes with age and how biological sex might play a role.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment for an existing condition may not directly benefit from this foundational biological research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for preventing infections and diseases in older adults by boosting their natural immune responses.
How similar studies have performed: While the general concept of age-related immune decline is known, this specific focus on B1 cell self-renewal and sex differences in natural antibody protection represents a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
Kalamazoo, United States
- Western Michigan Univ School of Medicine — Kalamazoo, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Holodick, Nichol Elizabeth — Western Michigan Univ School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Holodick, Nichol Elizabeth
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 below.