Why protective T cells decline as we age
Peripheral T cell maintenance defects with aging
Explores ways to restore the lymph node environment so protective T cells survive better in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308368 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies why 'naive' T cells — immune cells that help fight new infections — fall in number with aging. Researchers use mouse models and lab-based molecular and cellular studies of lymph node stromal cells to map the sequence of structural changes that harm T cell maintenance. They focus on signals like IL-7 and test whether rejuvenating the lymph node niche can prevent a feed-forward loop of decline that undermines new T cells. The goal is to identify targets that could make thymus-based or other rejuvenation strategies work better for older people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Older adults with age-related weakening of immunity or poor responses to vaccination would be the most likely beneficiaries.
Not a fit: Younger healthy individuals or people with primary genetic immune disorders unrelated to aging are less likely to benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that improve immune responses to infections and vaccines in older people.
How similar studies have performed: Related animal studies, including IL-7 and thymic rejuvenation experiments, have shown promising results in mice but translation to humans remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nikolich, Janko Z. — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Nikolich, Janko Z.
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.