Gut Immunity and Lewy Body Disease
Role of altered gut immune response in Lewy Body Disease
This research explores how changes in the gut's immune system might be connected to conditions like Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11172495 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that Lewy Body Diseases, including Parkinson's and dementia with Lewy bodies, are serious brain disorders without a cure. Recent findings suggest that other parts of the body, especially the gut, might play a role in these conditions. This project aims to understand how the gut's immune system and the bacteria living there interact and contribute to the development of Lewy Body Diseases. We are particularly interested in special immune cells in the gut that are similar to those found in the brain and how they handle certain proteins linked to these diseases. By looking closely at these connections, we hope to uncover new ways to understand and potentially treat these conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for individuals living with Parkinson's Disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, or those with early signs like isolated REM Sleep Behavior Disorder.
Not a fit: Patients whose condition is not related to Lewy Body Diseases or gut-immune system interactions may not directly benefit from this specific line of inquiry.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new biological markers or targets for future treatments that address the gut's role in Lewy Body Diseases.
How similar studies have performed: While emerging evidence points to gut involvement, this comprehensive approach to characterizing pathologic, immunologic, microbiologic, and physiologic parameters in patients is novel.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Poston, Kathleen Lombard — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Poston, Kathleen Lombard
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.