Finding new small molecules to target TREM2 for Alzheimer's treatment
Official title: Discovery of first-in-class small molecule TREM2 ligands as therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11097248 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new small drugs that can help a specific receptor in the brain called TREM2, which is important for reducing inflammation and clearing harmful plaques in Alzheimer's disease, with the hope of finding better treatments for people living with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $744,923 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG083512-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11097248 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease who are experiencing symptoms related to neuroinflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or those who do not have Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing small molecule ligands that can target the TREM2 receptor, which plays a crucial role in regulating inflammation in Alzheimer's disease. By utilizing a novel platform called Small Molecules from Antibody Pharmacophores (SMAPs), the researchers aim to identify compounds that can enhance the receptor's ability to clear amyloid plaques and reduce neuroinflammation. The approach involves creating pharmacophore maps based on the structures of antibodies bound to immune cell receptors, allowing for the discovery of small molecules that can effectively modulate TREM2 function. This innovative strategy seeks to overcome the limitations of current antibody-based therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic options that effectively reduce inflammation and improve outcomes for patients with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting TREM2 with antibodies has been explored, this approach of using small molecules is novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gabr, Moustafa — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Gabr, Moustafa
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
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.