Indoor mold exposure and lung immune reactions linked to Alzheimer-like brain changes
The Role of Aspergillus versicolor and the Th2 Lung-Brain Axis in Alzheimer's Disease-like Neuropathology
This project looks at whether breathing a common indoor mold and the lung's allergic-type immune response can cause brain inflammation and Alzheimer-like changes in people exposed to mold or with asthma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11262817 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, scientists are studying a common indoor fungus called Aspergillus versicolor to see if breathing it triggers an allergic-type (Th2) immune response in the lungs that then affects the brain. Most of the work uses controlled exposures and immune and brain measurements in laboratory models, together with comparisons to limited human data suggesting a link between fungal pollutants and cognition. The team measures lung inflammation, immune cell changes, brain markers of neuroinflammation, and memory-related outcomes to map a potential lung-to-brain pathway. The goal is to find environmental and immune processes that might raise Alzheimer's risk and point to ways to reduce that risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with long-term indoor mold exposure, chronic allergic lung conditions such as asthma, or interest in environmental contributors to Alzheimer’s would be the most relevant candidates for related research or follow-up.
Not a fit: Patients whose Alzheimer’s risk is primarily genetic or who have no history of mold or allergic lung exposure may be less likely to benefit directly from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If confirmed, this work could identify a preventable environmental trigger and an immune pathway that might be targeted to lower Alzheimer’s risk or guide new therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Small human studies and animal experiments have hinted that fungal or air pollution exposure can affect cognition, but the specific lung Th2-to-brain mechanism proposed here is relatively new and not yet proven in people.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oblak, Adrian Lynn — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Oblak, Adrian Lynn
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.