New treatments to reduce inflammation in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Novel Therapeutic Strategies for Suppressing cGAS-STING Pathway in Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-11058073 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with Alzheimer's disease by targeting a specific process that causes brain inflammation and cell damage, using a special treatment that could reduce these harmful effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $156,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AG088868-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058073 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with sporadic or familial Alzheimer's disease who are experiencing neuroinflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or those without a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to treat Alzheimer's disease by targeting a specific pathway that leads to neuroinflammation and cell death. The researchers have identified a mechanism involving RNA::DNA hybrids that activate the cGAS-STING pathway, contributing to the progression of the disease. They plan to develop intrabodies that neutralize these hybrids and deliver them using an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector. The effectiveness of this treatment will be tested in cell models of Alzheimer's disease to assess its potential in reducing inflammation and neuronal damage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new therapeutic strategy that significantly slows down or even reverses the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting the cGAS-STING pathway is a novel approach in Alzheimer's research, similar strategies have shown promise in other neurodegenerative conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scopa, Chiara — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Scopa, Chiara
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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.