Investigating the role of B cells in aging and Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Intermingling of circulating B cells and cerebral spinal fluid B cells with advancing age
Funded at Western Michigan Univ School of Medicine · NIH-10950061 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a type of immune cell called B cells might affect aging and Alzheimer's disease by comparing them in the brain's fluid and the blood of older adults, hoping to find new ways to understand and tackle memory loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Western Michigan Univ School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kalamazoo, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $418,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG088613-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10950061 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older, particularly those experiencing cognitive decline or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how B cells, a type of immune cell, contribute to the aging process and the development of Alzheimer's disease. By comparing B cells found in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) of older adults to those circulating in the bloodstream, the study aims to understand how these cells interact and potentially influence neurodegeneration. The researchers will analyze the antibodies produced by these B cells to identify their origins and functions, shedding light on their role in age-related conditions. This work could reveal new insights into the immune system's involvement in cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease and other age-related cognitive disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of analyzing B cells in CSF is novel, related research has shown that immune system changes are linked to aging and neurodegeneration.
Where this research is happening
-
Western Michigan Univ School of Medicine
Kalamazoo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rothstein, Thomas L — Western Michigan Univ School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Rothstein, Thomas L
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.