Investigating how brain immune cells affect aging and blood vessel health in Alzheimer's disease
The role of brain border-associated macrophages in aging and cerebral amyloid angiopathy
This study is looking at special immune cells in the brain that help keep blood vessels healthy, especially as we age and in conditions like Alzheimer's disease, to see if understanding how these cells work can lead to new treatments that improve brain health and memory.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11001962 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of specific immune cells in the brain, known as border-associated macrophages (BAMs), in relation to aging and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), a condition often seen in Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to explore how these cells help maintain the health of blood vessels in the brain and how their function changes with age and disease. By using specially developed mouse models, researchers will examine the ability of BAMs to clear toxic deposits from blood vessels, which may provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease. Patients may benefit from findings that could lead to new treatments aimed at improving brain health and cognitive function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research are individuals aged 21 and older who are experiencing cognitive decline or are at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 21 or do not have any cognitive impairment or risk factors for Alzheimer's disease may not receive benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating cognitive decline associated with aging and Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of immune cells in brain health, suggesting that this approach may lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lafaille, Juan — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Lafaille, Juan
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.