Investigating changes in the physical environment in the lymph node that alter immune cell functions in aging
Aging reduces our bodies’ ability to respond to pathogens and vaccines. This is thought to be, at least in part, due to impaired functions of adaptive immune cells, which are educated and activated in the lymph nodes. One of the key changes that happens in the lymph nodes as we age, is an accumulation of structural materials that could change things like the stiffness or hardness of the tissue itself. Dr. Maisel's work tries to understand if the repeated exposure we have to pathogens throughout our lives is responsible for some of these changes, and also how these changes in the lymph node tissue affect immune cell functions. Ultimately, Dr. Maisel's research provides foundational understanding of the immune system in aging that could lead to new treatment strategies to tailor treatments that modulate immunity to fit immune system functions in older adults.
