Huntingtin's role in inflammation and neurodegeneration in Huntington's disease
Official title: Huntingtin links inflammasome pathway in Huntington's disease Pathogenesis
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11016996 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein related to Huntington's disease affects the immune system in the brain, with the hope of finding new ways to slow down the disease for people living with it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $511,430 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS129563-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11016996 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Huntington's disease, particularly those experiencing early to moderate symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Huntington's disease or those without a confirmed diagnosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the huntingtin protein, which is mutated in Huntington's disease, interacts with the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key component of the immune response. By studying human tissue and mouse models, the researchers aim to understand the role of neuroinflammation in the progression of Huntington's disease. The approach includes examining the activation of microglia and astrocytes, as well as measuring levels of inflammatory cytokines. The goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets that could modify the disease's progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow down or alter the course of Huntington's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that targeting neuroinflammation can be beneficial in other neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jiang, Mali — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Jiang, Mali
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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.