Understanding Immune Cells in Long-Term Inflammation and Multiple Health Conditions
T helper cells in development of chronic inflammation and multimorbidity
This research explores how specific immune cells called T helper cells contribute to long-term inflammation and the development of multiple health conditions in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126880 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many older adults experience multimorbidity, which means having two or more long-term health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or Alzheimer's. We know that ongoing, low-level inflammation in the body plays a role in these conditions. This project aims to understand how specific immune cells, called T helper cells, contribute to this chronic inflammation and the development of multiple diseases. By studying human data, we hope to uncover the exact mechanisms by which these cells influence inflammation and lead to various health problems. This knowledge could help us find new ways to manage inflammation and improve health for older adults.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research focuses on understanding disease mechanisms in older adults with chronic inflammation and multimorbidity, rather than recruiting patients for direct intervention.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention for their conditions would not directly benefit from this foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating chronic inflammation and the multiple diseases it contributes to, potentially improving health for older adults.
How similar studies have performed: While animal studies and preliminary human data suggest a role for T helper cells in inflammation, this project aims to fill a major gap in understanding their specific mechanisms in human chronic inflammation and multimorbidity.
Where this research is happening
Winston-Salem, United States
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences — Winston-Salem, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ding, Jingzhong — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Ding, Jingzhong
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.