Could MMP9 cause brain swelling or tiny bleeds after Alzheimer's antibody treatment?
Establishing the role of MMP9 in amyloid-immunotherapy-induced ARIA
Researchers are looking into whether a protein called MMP9 helps cause brain swelling or small bleeds in people treated with anti-amyloid antibody therapies for Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10795778 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work uses mice engineered to carry human forms of amyloid to mimic Alzheimer's-related brain changes while using advanced tools like 7T MRI, live two-photon imaging, and single-cell RNA sequencing. Scientists will give anti-amyloid antibodies similar to those used in patients and track blood vessel damage, inflammation, and MMP9 activity over time. The goal is to map which cells turn on MMP9 and how that might weaken vessel walls to produce amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA). Findings aim to explain why some people develop ARIA and point to ways to reduce those side effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease who are considering or receiving anti-amyloid antibody treatments are the group most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Because the work is done in mice and focuses on underlying mechanisms, patients without Alzheimer's or those not receiving antibody therapy are unlikely to directly benefit in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If correct, identifying MMP9's role could lead to ways to prevent or treat ARIA and make antibody therapies safer for people with Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have performed: Clinical trials of anti-amyloid antibodies have documented ARIA frequently, but using humanized mouse models with advanced imaging and single-cell methods to pin down MMP9's causal role is a newer and relatively untested approach.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilcock, Donna M — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Wilcock, Donna M
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.