Investigating how viruses affect Alzheimer's disease at the cellular level
Official title: Single-cell multi-region dissection of AD-pathogen interactions for HSV-1 and CMV
Funded at Massachusetts Institute of Technology · NIH-11013422 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain viruses, like the ones that cause cold sores and cytomegalovirus, might affect Alzheimer's disease by examining brain samples, and it hopes to find new ways to help treat the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $727,847 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG081017-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013422 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, particularly those with a history of viral infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Alzheimer's disease or those who have not been exposed to the targeted viruses may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the interactions between specific viruses, such as Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and Cytomegalovirus, and Alzheimer's disease. By analyzing brain samples from various sources, including human and mouse models, the study aims to create detailed maps of cellular responses to these pathogens. The approach involves advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing to identify how these viruses may influence the progression of Alzheimer's at a molecular level. Ultimately, the goal is to uncover potential pathways and mechanisms that could lead to new therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into how viral infections contribute to Alzheimer's disease, potentially guiding future treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of pathogens in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kellis, Manolis — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Kellis, Manolis
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.