Investigating neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease using specialized imaging techniques
Official title: Probing neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease with NLRP3 PET radiotracers
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10659920 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how inflammation in the brain affects Alzheimer's disease and aims to create a new way to see this inflammation using special imaging techniques, which could help improve how we diagnose and treat the condition for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,889,973 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG076912-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10659920 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease who are experiencing symptoms related to neuroinflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or neurodegenerative diseases unrelated to neuroinflammation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD) by developing a new biomarker that can be detected using positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracers. The study aims to explore the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key player in the immune response, to monitor inflammation in the brains of AD patients. By creating small molecule inhibitors that target NLRP3, the research seeks to improve diagnosis and treatment evaluation for Alzheimer's. Patients may benefit from enhanced imaging techniques that could lead to better therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new way to diagnose and monitor Alzheimer's disease, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar imaging techniques to study neuroinflammation in other neurodegenerative diseases, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Shijun — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Shijun
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
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.