How complement receptors control inflammation in Alzheimer’s
Molecular basis of complement anaphylatoxin receptor activation, regulation, selectivity and signaling bias
Researchers are mapping how immune receptors called complement anaphylatoxin receptors work to help guide new medicines that could reduce harmful inflammation in people with Alzheimer’s.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11291232 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, the team is using high-resolution imaging and lab tests to look closely at the proteins that trigger immune inflammation. They will use cryo-electron microscopy, cell signaling experiments, and biochemical analyses to see how these receptors bind molecules and send different signals. The goal is to find receptor features that can be targeted by drugs to dial down harmful immune responses in the brain. This is lab-based work using purified proteins and cells rather than testing treatments in people right now.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease who may one day benefit from therapies that target the complement system are the most relevant group.
Not a fit: Individuals without Alzheimer’s or whose condition is not driven by complement-related inflammation are unlikely to directly benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify new drug targets to reduce damaging brain inflammation in Alzheimer’s disease.
How similar studies have performed: Related studies targeting complement proteins have shown promise in other conditions, but precise receptor-focused approaches for Alzheimer’s remain largely early-stage and novel.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gati, Cornelius — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Gati, Cornelius
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.