Catalyst Awardee

Project Description

Strengthening the immune system by gut microbiome modification to enhance a protective response to vaccination in aged people

Erick Riquelme, PhD; Felipe Court Goldsmith, PhD, Msc

Competition Sponsor: National Agency for Research and Development of Chile

Aging is associated with a decrease in the quality of life, partly due to a process of immunosenescence characterized by the decrease in the effectiveness of the immune system to generate an effective immune response. Evidence demonstrating that an imbalance on the gut microbiota is associated with reduced functioning of the immune system, increases susceptibility to infections, chronic inflammation and impact the immune response to vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses. We propose to understand the functional relationship between the composition of the gut microbiota and the functioning of the immune system in older people. To design strategies that allow restore or modify the composition the gut microbiota in benefit of the patient to stimulate their immune system, reduce the risk of infections and increase the general health.

Sign up for updates