Finding the Right Balance for the Immune System in Alzheimer's Disease
Searching for the Goldilocks Zone of Innate Immunity in Alzheimer's Disease
This work explores how to adjust the body's natural defenses to help people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11197609 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our immune system plays a crucial role in brain health, especially in conditions like Alzheimer's disease where abnormal proteins build up. While activating the immune system might seem helpful, too much or too little activity could be harmful. This project aims to discover the perfect level of immune system adjustment, a 'Goldilocks zone,' that can slow down Alzheimer's progression without causing unwanted side effects. We will test various ways to modify the immune response in models of Alzheimer's to find treatments that offer the most benefit with the least harm.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for anyone interested in the future of Alzheimer's disease treatment, particularly those affected by the condition or with a family history.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options will not directly benefit from this early-stage research, as it focuses on understanding disease mechanisms and identifying potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies for Alzheimer's disease that carefully adjust the immune system to protect brain cells and improve patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While immune-activating therapies show promise in other diseases like cancer, their application in Alzheimer's is still being explored, making this approach both promising and relatively untested in this specific context.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Golde, Todd E — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Golde, Todd E
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.