Creating specialized immune cells to target Alzheimer's disease

In Vivo Production of CAR-Microglia for Treating Alzheimer’s Disease

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · NIH-11031008

This study is testing a new treatment for Alzheimer's disease that uses special immune cells to help clear harmful plaques from the brain, and it’s looking for patients to join trials to see how safe and effective this approach can be.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11031008 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new treatment for Alzheimer's disease by producing specialized immune cells called CAR-microglia that can effectively target and clear amyloid-beta plaques in the brain. The approach involves using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology to enhance the ability of microglia, the brain's resident immune cells, to recognize and eliminate these harmful plaques. By improving the microglial response to amyloid-beta, the research aims to slow down or potentially reverse the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Patients may be involved in trials to assess the safety and effectiveness of this innovative therapy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation would include individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, particularly those in the early to moderate stages of the condition.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those with other forms of dementia may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a groundbreaking treatment that significantly slows or halts the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

How similar studies have performed: While CAR technology has shown promise in cancer treatment, its application in Alzheimer's disease is relatively novel and untested.

Where this research is happening

CHICAGO, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.