Better Ways to Understand Human Immune Cells in Diseases like Alzheimer's and AIDS
Novel Humanized Mouse Models For Engraftment of Tissue-Specific Human Macrophage Population
This work aims to create advanced mouse models that help scientists better understand how human immune cells, called macrophages, contribute to diseases such as Alzheimer's and AIDS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11134532 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are developing new humanized mouse models that allow human immune cells, specifically tissue-resident macrophages, to grow and function within the mice. These special macrophages play a crucial role in maintaining health and are involved in many human diseases. Current models for studying these cells in human diseases are limited, making it hard for researchers to fully understand their impact. Our goal is to provide better tools for the scientific community to explore how these human immune cells behave in the context of diseases like Alzheimer's and AIDS.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients living with or at risk for conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or AIDS may ultimately benefit from the discoveries made using these advanced research tools.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not related to human tissue-resident macrophages or the specific diseases being studied may not directly benefit from this particular research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of diseases like Alzheimer's and AIDS, paving the way for new treatments and therapies.
How similar studies have performed: While other humanized models exist, this approach aims to overcome their limitations by allowing more efficient development of human tissue-resident macrophages and making these resources more widely available to researchers.
Where this research is happening
Worcester, United States
- Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester — Worcester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brehm, Michael Allen — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Brehm, Michael Allen
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.