Targeting IL-13Rα1 signaling to slow neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s-related disease
Official title: Anti-inflammatory signals and neurodegeneration
Funded at San Diego Biomedical Research Institute · NIH-11352490 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying whether blocking a specific inflammatory signal in brain cells can protect dopamine neurons and slow neurodegeneration in conditions like Parkinson’s disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | San Diego Biomedical Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $725,030 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS134632-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11352490 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with neurodegenerative conditions characterized by α-synuclein pathology and neuroinflammation, such as Parkinson’s disease and related dementias, who may benefit from future therapeutic strategies.
✕Less likely to help
People without neurodegenerative diseases or without inflammatory brain involvement may not benefit from this basic/translational work.
What this research studies
This project investigates how the inflammatory signals IL-13 and its receptor IL-13Rα1/IL-4Rα affect the survival of midbrain dopamine neurons, which are lost in Parkinson’s disease. The team will explore the cellular pathways that lead to neuron death, including ferroptosis, in mouse models that mimic α-synucleinopathy. By understanding these mechanisms, they aim to identify whether inhibiting IL-13Rα1 signaling could slow neurodegeneration in humans. The work combines molecular studies with animal modeling to evaluate potential therapeutic strategies that may slow disease progression for people living with AD-related neurodegenerative conditions. Outcomes could guide future clinical approaches targeting neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could pave the way for therapies that slow neuron loss in Parkinson’s-related dementias by targeting inflammatory signaling.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have shown that inflammatory signaling can influence neuron vulnerability, but this specific IL-13Rα1 pathway in α-synucleinopathy models is exploratory with potential for novel therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
San Diego Biomedical Research Institute
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Conti, Bruno — San Diego Biomedical Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Conti, Bruno
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.