Adults in this age range are immunologically and hematologically mature and “ normal”. Prior to age 18 these systems are often considered less mature .....PLUS using pediatric individuals is another issues. Both systems decline after age 60.
In aedition to Ellen's post you have the ethical consideration which is more difficult to obtain samples from individuals younger than 18. For 60+ you will ready face stem cell exhaustion and shift towards myeloid lineage
Yes, I hope things continue to evolve this way. Geriatric populations should br studied too. It’s not so different than the way we used to exclude women from clinical trials!!! Progress is slow.....and advocacy helps.