Pathogenic exosomes in shingles and their link to vascular dementia
Official title: Pathogenic exosomes during herpes zoster mediate increased vascular dementia risk
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11380575 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study explores how tiny particles shed during shingles may raise the risk of vascular dementia in people, with potential to inform prevention.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,887,784 |
| NIH project number | 4R01AG085406-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11380575 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who have had shingles or are at risk for dementia may be relevant volunteers.
✕Less likely to help
People without shingles history or dementia risk may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
If you have or are at risk for shingles or dementia, this project looks at whether exosomes from shingles patients carry signals that promote blood vessel problems in the brain. Researchers will analyze blood samples to identify prothrombotic and inflammatory factors carried by exosomes and see how they relate to vascular damage. The results could point to new ways to lower dementia risk after shingles, such as targeted therapies or preventive strategies. Participation would involve contributing samples and health information to understand this link better.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new interventions to reduce vascular dementia risk after shingles.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have linked VZV infection and exosome activity to vascular changes, suggesting this approach is promising but still emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bubak, Andrew N — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Bubak, Andrew N
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Shingles-related blood particles that may raise vascular dementia risk
This project looks at whether tiny blood particles released during shingles cause blood-vessel inflammation or clotting that can increase the chance of vascular dementia in older adults.
-
Investigating how herpes zoster affects the risk of vascular dementia
This study is looking at how shingles might be connected to a higher risk of developing vascular dementia, and it’s for anyone who has had shingles and wants to understand more about its potential long-term effects on brain health.
-
A brain-boosting peptide to help people at risk of vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
A new drug-like peptide (PNA5) is being studied to reduce brain inflammation and improve blood flow in people at risk for vascular dementia and Alzheimer's-related dementia.
-
Cis-proline tau toxicity in brain injury and dementia
Aims to understand how a specific toxic form of tau protein appears after brain injury and contributes to Alzheimer’s-related dementia, and how early intervention might protect neurons.
-
Artery cell channels and stroke-related dementia in older men and women
This work looks at whether blocking an artery-cell channel called Panx1 can help older men and women have less brain damage and dementia after an ischemic stroke.
-
How blood vessel problems contribute to dementia
Researchers are looking at how blood vessel problems in the heart and brain may lead to dementia in people with or at risk for Alzheimer’s.
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.