How specific anti-NMDAR1 antibodies in the blood may affect memory and brain protection
Official title: Effects of Different Isotypes of Anti-NMDAR1 Autoantibodies on Cognitive Function and Neuroprotection
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11617810 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research is exploring whether natural or abnormal anti-NMDAR1 antibodies in the blood influence memory, behavior, and brain protection in humans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $11,656 |
| NIH project number | 3R01NS135620-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11617810 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with anti-NMDAR1 antibodies or patients at risk for autoimmune-related cognitive changes.
✕Less likely to help
People without anti-NMDAR1 antibodies or related risk factors may not experience direct benefits from this study.
What this research studies
This project will study how different types of anti-NMDAR1 antibodies present in the blood might impact cognitive functions and brain health. Researchers will quantify antibody levels in people and examine their associations with memory performance and brain barrier function. The study aims to connect antibody presence to potential cognitive outcomes and neuroprotection in real-world participants. It’s a translational effort that could point to future therapies or monitoring strategies for individuals with these autoantibodies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to better understanding of who is at risk for antibody-related cognitive changes and inform future treatments or preventive strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows strong effects of anti-NMDAR1 antibodies in animal and human studies on brain function, but human data on natural antibody levels and cognition are still emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Xianjin — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Xianjin
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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.