How aging affects brain inflammation and cognitive decline after injury

Influence of thalamic IL-33 signaling in aging-associated exacerbation of cognitive impairment after brain injury via microglial dysfunction and tau pathology

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · NIH-11040248

This study is looking at how getting older affects the brain's immune response after an injury, especially focusing on certain immune cells called neutrophils, to see how these changes might impact thinking and memory.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11040248 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how aging influences the immune response in the brain following an injury, particularly focusing on a type of immune cell called neutrophils. By analyzing brain samples from injured individuals, the study aims to identify specific changes in these cells that may contribute to cognitive impairment. Advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing and flow cytometry will be used to understand the role of these neutrophils in neuroinflammation and cognitive recovery. The findings could help clarify how age-related changes in the immune system affect brain health after trauma.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who have experienced a traumatic brain injury.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger or have not suffered a brain injury may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving cognitive recovery in older adults after brain injuries.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses in brain injuries, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

BIRMINGHAM, 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: Acquired brain injury

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.