# Single cell molecular analysis of influenza vaccine responses in elderly individuals

> **NIH NIH R01** · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · 2022 · $473,934

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
We will use cutting edge single T cell analysis techniques to molecularly define the T cell repertoire and
function of cellular immune responses of individuals 65 years of age or older. The mechanisms behind
declining immune responses with age is likely multifactorial. Aging is associated with a reduction in the
frequency of antibody secreting cells and the number of lymph node germinal centers, and we hypothesize
this to be due to impaired ability of CD4+ T cells to provide adequate help to B cells. T follicular helper cells
in germinal centers directly provide help to B cells, and induce them to become antibody-secreting plasma
cells. We have previously demonstrated the frequencies of activated peripheral T follicular helper cells
(pTfh) and circulating plasmablasts shortly after vaccination is directly related to subsequent titers of
vaccine-specific antibodies. Furthermore, high dose influenza vaccine (IIV HD) was better able to induce
activated pTfh cells than standard dose vaccine (IIV SD). In this application we will probe the mechanisms
behind successful immune responses to vaccines in an elderly population. We will evaluate the immune T
cell repertoire, the transcriptomic profile of responding cells, and inflation of CMV-reactive T cells in elderly
individuals and determine the effect of these factors on the host's ability to mount successful immune
responses to vaccines.
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## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10383653
- **Project number:** 5R01AI142095-04
- **Recipient organization:** VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Spyros A Kalams
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $473,934
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-03-01 → 2024-02-29

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10383653

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10383653, Single cell molecular analysis of influenza vaccine responses in elderly individuals (5R01AI142095-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10383653. Licensed CC0.

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