Immune cells that find and clear aging brain cells in Alzheimer's
Theranostic CAR-T Targeting Senescence in Alzheimer's
This project will build immune cells that can find and remove aging brain cells to help people 65 and older with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11305230 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are creating a combined detection-and-treatment (theranostic) CAR-T approach that can both light up senescent (aged) brain cells and trigger immune cells to remove them. The team will use special probes plus a chemical switch (sCIP) so the CAR-T cells act only when the senescent cells are detected, aiming to reduce off-target effects. Work will start in the lab and in preclinical models to show the system can image, target, and safely eliminate senescent cells linked to Alzheimer’s. Success here would support moving toward clinical testing in people with Alzheimer’s or related dementias.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Future clinical testing would likely focus on older adults (typically 65+) diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer’s or those with other non-AD causes of cognitive decline, or individuals with medical conditions that make immune therapies unsafe, may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reduce harmful senescent cells in the brain, slow disease processes, and let doctors monitor where the therapy is working.
How similar studies have performed: Related CAR-T approaches to remove senescent cells have shown promise in animal models of cancer and fibrosis, but applying theranostic CAR-T to Alzheimer’s is novel and not yet tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cui, Lina — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Cui, Lina
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.