Description
As people age, the function of their immune systems declines. This means that older adults are more susceptible to infections and that vaccines are less effective. Additionally, when older adults become ill from an infection, it takes longer for them to recover compared to younger adults. The research in Dr. Haynes’ lab focuses on examining how aging changes the function of specific cells in the immune system and how these changes impact the response to infection and vaccination. She is also examining how immune function can be boosted in older individuals.