How aging affects immune cells in the brain related to Alzheimer's Disease
Official title: Cell-autonomous regulation of microglial reactivity with aging and Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Oklahoma City VA Medical Center · NIH-11054094 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain immune cells change as we get older and how these changes might affect people with Alzheimer's Disease, especially focusing on a protein that could help us find new ways to protect brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma City VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 1I01BX006628-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054094 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease or are at risk due to age-related factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 21 or do not have any signs of cognitive decline or Alzheimer's Disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how microglial cells, which are immune cells in the brain, change their behavior as people age and in the context of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The study aims to understand whether these changes are protective or harmful, particularly focusing on a specific protein called Major Histocompatibility Complex I (MHC-I) that may play a role in neuroinflammation. By examining how these immune responses evolve, the research seeks to uncover potential therapeutic targets that could mitigate the effects of aging and AD on brain health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help protect brain function in aging individuals and those with Alzheimer's Disease.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding microglial behavior in aging and neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Oklahoma City VA Medical Center
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Freeman, Willard M — Oklahoma City VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Freeman, Willard M
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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.