Understanding immune cell dysfunction in older adults with HIV

Tfh dysfunction in HIV and Aging

NIH-funded research University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-10836020

This study is looking at how aging and HIV impact your immune system, especially a type of cell that helps your body respond to vaccines, to understand why some people with HIV don’t respond well to flu shots, so we can improve vaccine effectiveness for older adults living with HIV.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Coral Gables, United States)
Project IDNIH-10836020 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how aging and HIV affect the immune system, particularly focusing on a type of immune cell called T follicular helper cells (pTfh). These cells are crucial for generating effective antibody responses, especially after vaccinations. The study aims to identify why some individuals with HIV do not respond well to vaccines, particularly flu vaccines, and how this relates to their overall immune health. By classifying participants as vaccine responders or non-responders, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind immune deficiencies in older adults living with HIV.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults living with HIV who are interested in understanding their immune response to vaccinations.

Not a fit: Patients who are not living with HIV or who are younger than the targeted age group may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved vaccination strategies and better health outcomes for older adults living with HIV.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding immune responses in HIV-infected individuals can lead to significant advancements in treatment and vaccination strategies.

Where this research is happening

Coral Gables, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.