Understanding how sex affects immune responses in older adults
Official title: Sex Specific Regulation of B1 B Cell Self-Renewal and Natural Antibody Production
Funded at Western Michigan Univ School of Medicine · NIH-11003671 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being male or female affects the immune system's ability to fight off infections in older adults, especially why older men seem to get pneumonia more often, and it hopes to find better ways to prevent this illness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Western Michigan Univ School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kalamazoo, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $74,084 |
| NIH project number | 5F32AI174673-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003671 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above, particularly those interested in understanding immune health and susceptibility to infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without interest in immune system research may not benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This research investigates how sex differences influence the self-renewal and natural antibody production of a specific type of immune cell called B1 B cells in older adults. By examining both male and female immune responses, the study aims to uncover why older men are more susceptible to pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, despite the availability of vaccines. The researchers will analyze the role of anatomical location and sex in the functioning of these B cells, which are crucial for producing natural antibodies that help protect against infections. This work could lead to improved strategies for preventing pneumonia in older populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of immune responses and lead to better prevention strategies for pneumonia in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding sex differences in immune responses can lead to significant advancements in treatment and prevention strategies, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Western Michigan Univ School of Medicine
Kalamazoo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Webster, Sarah E — Western Michigan Univ School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Webster, Sarah E
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.