How immune signaling and protein cleanup in brain immune cells relate to Alzheimer's
ERAD-STING Crosstalk in Microglia: Unraveling the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease
This work looks at whether problems in immune signaling and the cell's protein-cleanup machinery in brain immune cells contribute to Alzheimer's disease and could point to new treatment targets for people with or at risk for Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11164762 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers at the University of Virginia and collaborating labs will study how a protein-clearance system called ERAD and an immune signaling molecule called STING interact inside microglia, the brain's immune cells. They will use molecular and genetic lab experiments, cell studies, and animal models to see how these pathways affect inflammation and Alzheimer-related protein buildup. The project builds on recent findings that ERAD can control STING and that STING activation in microglia drives neuroinflammation. The teams aim to map these interactions so future therapies might reduce harmful brain inflammation in Alzheimer's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, or a strong family history of Alzheimer's are the most likely groups to benefit from and become candidates for related future trials.
Not a fit: People without neurodegenerative disease or those whose dementia is due to non-Alzheimer causes (such as purely vascular dementia) are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets to reduce brain inflammation and slow or prevent Alzheimer's progression.
How similar studies have performed: Early lab and animal studies have shown that targeting STING and related protein-quality control pathways can change neuroinflammation in models of Alzheimer's, but translating these findings into human treatments is still new.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Qi, Ling — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Qi, Ling
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.