How B and T immune cells respond to Alzheimer's proteins
Spontaneous and Induced B cell and T cell responses in Alzheimer's Disease
['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11299542
This research looks at how B cells and T cells target amyloid and tau proteins in Alzheimer's disease to help design better antibody-based treatments for people with Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11299542 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team is studying how immune B cells and T cells recognize the two key Alzheimer's proteins, amyloid-beta and tau, using laboratory models. They compare immune cells that develop near the brain (from skull bone marrow and the meninges) with those that develop in the rest of the body to see if they produce different kinds of antibodies. Researchers will measure antibody strength and the role of T cell help, then test whether antibodies from different sources can clear amyloid and tau from the brain. Results could point to which immune responses or sample sources are most useful for vaccines or antibody therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment, or those willing to donate blood or tissue samples for immune studies, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's or those seeking an immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to improved antibody vaccines or therapies that more effectively clear amyloid and tau and slow Alzheimer's progression.
How similar studies have performed: Antibody drugs have already cleared amyloid plaques in patients (for example, aducanumab) and tau antibodies are in clinical trials, but using natural B and T cell behavior to improve these approaches is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: COLONNA, MARCO — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: COLONNA, MARCO
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.