OPN-producing microglia linked to Alzheimer’s disease
Contribution of a novel OPN-producing CD11c+ microglial subset to AD
['FUNDING_R01'] · DANA-FARBER CANCER INST · NIH-11242007
This work looks at whether blocking a brain protein called osteopontin (OPN) could reduce harmful inflammation and amyloid buildup for people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DANA-FARBER CANCER INST (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11242007 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers found a small subset of brain immune cells (CD11c+ microglia) that make OPN and appear to drive disease in an aggressive mouse model of Alzheimer's. They confirmed similar OPN-related changes in well-characterized human brain tissue from Alzheimer's patients. The team will test antibody-based ways to block OPN in mice and study human samples to see how OPN-expressing microglia relate to amyloid and inflammation. The goal is to learn whether targeting OPN could lower inflammation, clear amyloid deposits, and improve memory-related outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with Alzheimer's disease—especially those in early or moderate stages—or families willing to donate brain tissue for research would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's or those with unrelated forms of dementia are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific OPN-targeting approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to a new treatment that reduces brain inflammation and amyloid and improves cognition for people with Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have performed: In the 5XFAD mouse model, removing OPN or giving anti-OPN antibodies reduced inflammation, lowered amyloid, and improved cognition, while human findings so far are confirmatory but preliminary.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- DANA-FARBER CANCER INST — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CANTOR, HARVEY — DANA-FARBER CANCER INST
- Study coordinator: CANTOR, HARVEY
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer disease treatment