Investigating immune responses in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Spontaneous and Induced B cell and T cell responses in Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11080370 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in the body react to harmful proteins in the brains of people with Alzheimer's, and it hopes to find better ways to help the immune system clear these proteins, which could lead to new treatments for the disease.
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 | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $759,744 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG081631-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11080370 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.
✕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 how B cells and T cells respond to amyloid beta plaques and tau protein aggregates in Alzheimer's disease. It aims to understand the differences in immune responses based on where these immune cells develop, specifically focusing on the role of the skull bone marrow and the central nervous system. By studying these immune responses in mouse models, the research seeks to identify how effective different types of antibodies are at clearing harmful proteins from the brain. This could lead to new immunization strategies for treating Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved immunotherapy approaches for Alzheimer's disease, potentially slowing cognitive decline in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using antibody-mediated approaches for clearing amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Colonna, Marco — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Colonna, Marco
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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.