Boosting brain immune cells (TREM2) to help against Alzheimer's
TREM2 IN MICROGLIA BIOLOGY AND ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Researchers are testing ways to turn on a brain immune receptor called TREM2 so microglia can better clear harmful amyloid plaques in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11298139 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how brain immune cells called microglia respond to Alzheimer’s plaques and focuses on the TREM2-DAP12 receptor that helps them switch into a protective state. The team will map the detailed signals inside microglia that follow TREM2 activation and design approaches that mimic those protective signals rather than relying only on single antibodies. Work uses laboratory models of Alzheimer’s and molecular tools, with connections to clinical antibody work, to find more effective ways to restore healthy brain cleanup. The aim is to develop strategies that could eventually be tested in people to slow or prevent dementia progression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with early-stage Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's would be the most likely candidates for related future trials.
Not a fit: Patients with very advanced dementia or with non‑Alzheimer forms of dementia are less likely to benefit from TREM2-targeted approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that help the brain's immune cells remove amyloid plaques and slow Alzheimer's-related cognitive decline.
How similar studies have performed: Anti-amyloid antibody treatments have shown plaque removal but antibodies targeting TREM2 have not yet delivered clear clinical improvements, so this work builds on partial successes while exploring new directions.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Colonna, Marco — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Colonna, Marco
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.