Using hydrogel models to understand how aging affects B cells
Official title: Hydrogel-Based Aged Immune Organoids to Study Epigenetics and Trajectory of B Cells
Funded at Georgia Institute of Technology · NIH-11137813 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects your immune system, especially the B cells that help fight infections, by using special models to see how these cells work in older people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | July 12, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $741,009 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI181282-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11137813 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who may be experiencing weakened immune responses due to aging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not aged or do not have concerns related to immune function may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging impacts the immune response, particularly focusing on B cells, which are crucial for producing antibodies against infections. By creating hydrogel-based models that mimic aged lymphoid tissues, the researchers aim to study the differentiation and function of B cells in older individuals. The approach involves examining how these cells respond to antigens and the role of the surrounding microenvironment in their development. This could lead to insights into why older adults often have weaker immune responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing immune responses in older adults, potentially reducing their risk of severe infections.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using hydrogel models for aged immune organoids is novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding immune responses in aging.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Singh, Ankur — Georgia Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Singh, Ankur
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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.