How phagocytosis affects amyloid beta-related brain damage
Official title: Impact of phagocytosis on amyloid beta-induced pathology
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10724363 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how well certain brain cells clear away harmful substances in Alzheimer's disease, which could help us understand the disease better and find new ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $444,125 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG083330-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10724363 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk for developing it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to amyloid-beta pathology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of phagocytosis, a process where cells clear debris, in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease. It aims to understand how reduced clearance of amyloid-beta aggregates and dead neurons by microglia, a type of brain cell, may influence inflammation and disease progression. By using mouse models with altered phagocytosis capabilities, the study will explore the effects of this process on brain health and the potential for new therapeutic strategies. Patients may benefit from insights gained about the mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease and potential new treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer's disease that improve brain health and slow disease progression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that manipulating phagocytosis can have beneficial effects in other inflammatory conditions, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Arandjelovic, Sanja — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Arandjelovic, Sanja
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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.