Investigating how immune responses in brain cells contribute to Alzheimer's disease
Official title: ERAD-STING Crosstalk in Microglia: Unraveling the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10990739 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the immune system and protein management in brain cells work together in Alzheimer's disease, hoping to find new ways to help improve brain health for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $831,872 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG089640-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10990739 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk of developing it due to age or genetic factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the complex interactions between immune responses and protein quality control in brain cells, specifically focusing on microglia, which are crucial for brain health. The study aims to understand how the STING pathway, involved in immune signaling, interacts with the endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) process in the context of Alzheimer's disease. By examining these mechanisms, researchers hope to uncover new insights into the neuroinflammation that contributes to Alzheimer's pathology, potentially leading to novel therapeutic strategies. The research involves both laboratory experiments and analysis of data from animal models to draw conclusions about the disease's progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that better manage or even prevent Alzheimer's disease by targeting immune responses in the brain.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of immune mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Qi, Ling — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Qi, Ling
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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.