Mapping immune and genetic changes in Alzheimer's
Neuroimmune Genomic Profiling of Alzheimer's Disease
Researchers will compare immune-cell genes and T-cell receptors from people with Alzheimer's and similar older adults to find immune cells that may harm the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11196709 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will collect blood and brain samples from people with Alzheimer's and from matched older controls and use sensitive genetic assays to read T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoires and immune gene activity. The team will look for specific T-cell types, such as γδT-cells and CD8+ T-cells, that may be reacting to abnormal brain proteins and driving inflammation. They will link human sample profiles with mouse model results showing reduced disease signs after removing B or T cells to better understand cause-and-effect. The goal is to map which immune cell clones and genes appear in affected brains and how those immune signatures relate to neuron and synapse loss.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment, and older adults willing to give blood or donate brain tissue for research.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's or those unwilling or unable to provide samples are unlikely to gain direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to immune cell targets for new treatments or tests that detect harmful immune activity in Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has found T cells in Alzheimer's brains and mouse studies show removing B or T cells can reduce pathology, but detailed human TCR mapping is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Worcester, United States
- Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester — Worcester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rogaev, Evgeny I — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Rogaev, Evgeny I
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 below.