# NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR IMMUNITY IN THE AGED

> **NIH NIH R01** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 1991 · $104,667

## Abstract

The aging process is characterized by a progressive decline in the host's
immune response profile.  Moreover, optimal functioning of the immune
system depends upon adequate levels of dietary zinc.  In previous studies
we have shown that supplemental zinc restores a large measure of
immunocompetence to aging mice.  In this proposal we endeavor to study
possible mechanisms by which zinc activates antibody responses in
immunodepressed, aged mice.  Recent reports in the literature as well as
preliminary data presented in this proposal suggest that interleukin 1
along with supplemental zinc constitute a minimum signal for the production
of specific antibody by murine B cells.  Further data suggest that the
pathway by which B cells are activated involves cyclic AMP-dependent
events.  Using in vitro techniques we will culture purified populations of
B lymphocytes from 24 month old mice.  These cells will be activated with
antigen along with interleukin 1 and will be supplemented with
immunoenhancing, pharmacologic doses of zinc.  Antibody responses will be
monitored as will possible pathways of activation.  Thus, we will examine
the effects of I1-1 and zinc on cyclic AMP-dependent events, on interleukin
6 synthesis and on the induction of metal metallothionein mRNA synthesis.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3121145
- **Project number:** 1R01AG009304-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **SAM.gov UEI:** FTMTDMBR29C7
- **Principal Investigator:** RICHARD A WINCHURCH
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1991
- **Award amount:** $104,667
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 1991-09-01 → 1994-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3121145

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3121145, NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR IMMUNITY IN THE AGED (1R01AG009304-01A1). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3121145. Licensed CC0.

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