Investigating how T cells contribute to brain damage in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Role of T cells in tau-mediated neurodegeneration
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11014432 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called T cells might affect brain damage in Alzheimer's disease, especially related to a protein called tau, using special mouse models that act like humans with the condition, to find new ways to help treat Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $735,616 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG085374-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11014432 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, particularly those showing signs of tau pathology.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurodegenerative conditions or those without any signs of tau accumulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of T cells in the neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer's disease, particularly focusing on the aggregation of tau proteins in the brain. By using specially developed mouse models that mimic human Alzheimer's pathology, the study aims to understand how the immune response, particularly the adaptive immune response involving T cells, influences the progression of tau-related brain damage. The research will analyze the interactions between tau accumulation, microglial activity, and T cell responses to uncover potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that target T cell activity to slow or prevent neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the immune response in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Holtzman, David M. — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Holtzman, David M.
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.