CD8 immune cells and their role in Alzheimer's using a 3D human immune‑brain chip
Studying the pathogenic roles of human CD8+ T cells in Alzheimer's disease using a 3D human Peripheral immune Chip.
Looks at whether certain immune cells called CD8+ T cells move into the Alzheimer's brain and make inflammation and nerve cell loss worse using a 3D human Peripheral immune Chip.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11262932 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work uses a 3D human Peripheral immune Chip (PiChip) that combines human neurons, microglia, and peripheral immune cells to recreate Alzheimer's-like brain changes. Researchers add human CD8+ T cells to the PiChip to see if they infiltrate the cultures, activate microglia through signals like CXCL10, and cause neuron damage. The model is built from human cells rather than animal tissue to better mirror human immune–brain interactions. Findings will be used to pinpoint molecules or pathways that could be targeted to reduce harmful inflammation in people with Alzheimer's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias who are willing to provide blood or tissue samples, or to join studies at a Boston clinic, would be most relevant for this research.
Not a fit: Healthy individuals or people without Alzheimer's are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this lab-based model work, and patients seeking immediate treatment may not see direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal immune mechanisms that lead to new ways to reduce brain inflammation and slow Alzheimer's progression.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked peripheral T cells to Alzheimer's and the team's earlier 3D microglia models reproduced inflammation, but using a human PiChip to specifically study CD8+ cells is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Doo Yeon — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Kim, Doo Yeon
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.