Investigating how to restore immune cells in the brain affected by Lewy body disease
Official title: Repopulation of the Microglia/Macrophage Niche in Experimental Lewy Body Disease
Funded at Duquesne University · NIH-11038250 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein linked to Lewy body disorders affects the brain, especially in areas that control smell and memory, and it’s testing a new oral medication that might help boost the brain's immune system to clear out these harmful proteins and improve brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duquesne University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $231,826 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS141002-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11038250 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Lewy body disorders or those exhibiting early signs of neurodegeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced stages of Lewy body disease or those with other unrelated neurodegenerative conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding Lewy body disorders, which are neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the accumulation of a protein called α-synuclein in the brain. The study uses a rodent model to explore how these protein aggregates affect brain function, particularly in areas related to smell and memory. Researchers aim to enhance the brain's immune response by repopulating specific immune cells, known as microglia and macrophages, using a medication that can be taken orally. This approach may help in clearing the harmful aggregates and improving brain health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance the brain's ability to combat Lewy body disease and improve cognitive functions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar approaches to enhance immune responses in neurodegenerative diseases, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leak, Rehana Khan — Duquesne University
- Study coordinator: Leak, Rehana Khan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Gut-immune changes in Lewy Body Diseases and early signs
A study at Stanford will explore how the gut and its immune system may be linked to Lewy Body diseases like Parkinson’s and related conditions, with findings that could point to new ways to understand and someday treat these illnesses.
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Gut-immune system links in Lewy Body Disease
Researchers are studying how the gut and immune system may influence Lewy body diseases like Parkinson’s and dementia with Lewy bodies, aiming to uncover new clues that could lead to better diagnosis and treatment in the future.
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Amygdala’s role in Lewy body disease and Alzheimer’s disease
A clinician-science training grant to help Dr. D. Luke Fischer study how the amygdala may drive the spread of disease in people with Lewy body disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
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Gut immune changes in Lewy body disorders
This project looks at whether changes in gut immune signals and gut bacteria are linked to Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and people with early signs like REM sleep behavior disorder.
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Automated Neurodegeneration Index for Lewy Body Disease in At-Risk Groups
A new machine‑learning tool analyzes routine brain scans to identify early neurodegeneration in people at risk for Parkinson’s disease or dementia with Lewy bodies.
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Identifying molecules that interact with alpha-synuclein in Alzheimer's disease–related dementias
A study at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville will map which proteins interact with alpha-synuclein in brain tissue and human-derived cells to understand its role in dementia like Lewy body disease and Alzheimer’s-related dementias.
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.