Targeting immune cells in the brain to fight Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Interrogating and Targeting Microglia Phagocytosis in Alzheimer’s Disease
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11089561 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain immune cells called microglia can help fight Alzheimer's disease by clearing out harmful proteins, with the goal of creating new treatments that could help improve brain health and slow down the disease for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $209,253 |
| NIH project number | 5K08NS133290-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11089561 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk due to genetic factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to Alzheimer's disease may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of microglia, the immune cells in the brain, in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. By examining how these cells respond to harmful proteins associated with the disease, the research aims to develop targeted therapies that can enhance the ability of microglia to clear out toxic substances. The approach includes using advanced techniques to analyze changes in microglial behavior and engineering new antibodies to specifically target and degrade harmful proteins. Patients may benefit from new treatment strategies that improve brain health and slow disease progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that significantly improve the management and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting microglial activity in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Holmes, Brandon Blake — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Holmes, Brandon Blake
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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.