How brain immune cells may protect against Alzheimer's
Transcriptional control of microglia diversification and inflammation
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · NIH-11366700
This project explores whether shifting certain brain immune cells (microglia) to act more like lymphocytes can reduce harmful inflammation and help people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11366700 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you have Alzheimer's, this research looks at how a subset of brain immune cells change their gene activity in response to amyloid plaques. The team studies a key switch called PU.1 and how lowering its levels makes microglia express lymphoid proteins like CD28. They test engineered PU.1-low microglia in animals and compare findings with human brain samples to understand how these cells might suppress inflammation. The goal is to find surface proteins on microglia that could be targeted to reduce harmful brain inflammation in Alzheimer's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment who are willing to donate blood, other samples, or participate at the Mount Sinai research center or collaborating clinics.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's disease or those with very advanced, end-stage dementia are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic-to-translational research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to reduce damaging brain inflammation and protect neurons in people with Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal experiments, including engineered PU.1-low microglia, showed neuroprotective effects, but applying microglia-targeting approaches in humans remains novel and not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SCHAEFER, ANNE — ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI
- Study coordinator: SCHAEFER, ANNE
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome