New small medicines targeting the brain immune receptor TREM2 for Alzheimer's disease
Discovery of first-in-class small molecule TREM2 ligands as therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease
Developing small drug-like molecules that target a brain immune receptor called TREM2 to lower harmful brain inflammation and help people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308299 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project aims to create the first small-molecule drugs that bind TREM2, a receptor on brain immune cells called microglia. The team uses a platform called SMAPs to convert antibody binding information into maps that help find small molecules with strong and selective binding to TREM2. Candidate molecules will be tested in laboratory assays and preclinical models to see if they reduce pro-inflammatory microglial activation, boost clearance of amyloid plaques, and stabilize helpful TREM2 interactions. Because current TREM2 approaches rely on antibodies, small molecules could offer easier dosing and better brain access if they work.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease—particularly those in earlier or mild-to-moderate stages—would be the likely candidates for future clinical testing of these drugs.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's disease or those with very advanced, late-stage disease may not receive benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new small-molecule treatments that reduce harmful brain inflammation, help clear amyloid, and slow Alzheimer's disease progression.
How similar studies have performed: Antibody therapies targeting TREM2 have shown encouraging preclinical results, but small-molecule TREM2 drugs are a novel and largely untested approach in patients.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gabr, Moustafa — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Gabr, Moustafa
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.