In our ageing global population, maintaining a robust immune system is crucial for public health, as it directly impacts our ability to combat infections, autoimmune diseases, and even some forms of cancer. The immune system’s efficiency and behaviour change as we age, influenced by factors like genetics, metabolic health, and overall systemic conditions. However, there is a gap in our understanding of how these factors interact to affect immune function across different life stages.
Our research project aims to bridge this gap using data from the UK Biobank, which has collected extensive information on genetics, metabolism, systemic health, and other vital parameters from a large and diverse group of individuals. By analysing this data, we hope to uncover how ageing, metabolic processes, and genetic differences influence the immune system and contribute to the development of immune-related diseases. By increasing our understanding of the immune system, we can pave the way for personalised medicine approaches that tailor prevention and treatment strategies to individual risk profiles.