Investigating the role of brain immune cells in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Role of Disease-Associated Microglia in Alzheimer's disease
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11039936 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain immune cells called microglia react to the sticky plaques linked to Alzheimer's disease, using a special mouse model to see if their response helps or hurts as the disease gets worse, which could help us understand more about Alzheimer's and how to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $701,631 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG081599-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11039936 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease or are at risk for developing it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or neurological disorders unrelated to Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how microglia, the immune cells in the brain, respond to amyloid-β plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease. By using a specially designed mouse model, researchers will explore whether the activation of these microglia is beneficial or harmful as the disease progresses. The study will assess various factors including behavior, cognition, and the health of brain cells at different stages of Alzheimer's. This approach aims to clarify the complex role of microglia in Alzheimer's pathology and treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that enhance the brain's immune response to Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of microglia in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Green, Kim — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Green, Kim
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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.