Microglial activation and inflammation linked to brain consequences after pathogen exposure
Official title: Microglial activation and inflammatory cytokine secretion as mechanisms driving CNS consequences of intermittent exposure to pathogens
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11450710 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research looks at how infection history and brain inflammation may contribute to dementia and other brain problems, with a focus on aging adults who may be at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $625,392 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS146649-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11450710 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older, including individuals with or at risk for Alzheimer’s disease dementia, who have a history of infectious exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without significant infection exposure history or without risk factors for cognitive decline may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project examines how prior infections and the brain’s inflammatory response could influence the development of dementia. Using human and mouse models, it will study microglial activation, cytokine signals, and changes in brain energy metabolism and the blood-brain barrier. The team plans to integrate transcriptional and epigenetic analyses to understand long-term brain and behavior effects. The goal is to uncover mechanisms that could lead to prevention or early interventions for infection-related cognitive decline.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could inform strategies to prevent or lessen dementia related to past infections by targeting brain inflammation.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data and existing literature suggest neuroinflammation post-infection can affect brain function, but causal pathways remain to be clarified.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Engler-Chiurazzi, Elizabeth — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Engler-Chiurazzi, Elizabeth
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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.