UMCUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical School · Biology
Aging Immune Response Lab
Susan L Swain · Worcester, Massachusetts
Research Focus
Dr. Susan L. Swain's lab at the University of Massachusetts Medical School focuses on understanding how aging affects the immune response to influenza. The research particularly examines a unique population of B cells that may help protect older adults from flu infections. By studying how these cells respond to different types of vaccines, the lab aims to improve vaccine efficacy for the elderly, who are particularly vulnerable to flu and other viruses like COVID-19.
age-associated B cellsimmune responseinfluenzavaccinationantibody generation
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate how age-associated B cell subsets respond to influenza infection.
AIM 02Identify signals required for B cell memory and long-lived antibody secretion.
AIM 03Compare the efficacy of different vaccine types in inducing B cell responses.
AIM 04Understand the role of T-bet expressing cells in the immune response.
AIM 05Develop strategies to enhance vaccine protection in the elderly.
Skills the Lab Values
cell cultureimmunology techniquesB cell analysisflow cytometrymouse models
Output against the department
Publications312top 18% of dept.180th of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations28ktop 13% of dept.134th of 1,033
this lab
most citedleast cited
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