TREM2 in microglia and Alzheimer’s disease
Official title: TREM2 in Microglia Biology and Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11581472 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how brain immune cells called microglia, via the TREM2-DAP12 pathway, influence Alzheimer’s disease and how to better use this biology to help people with dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2015 |
| Project end | February 28, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $607,184 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AG051485-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11581472 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with Alzheimer’s disease or related cognitive impairment who could potentially benefit from microglia-targeted therapies in the future.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals unlikely to respond to microglia-targeted approaches or those without a disease pathway involving TREM2 signaling.
What this research studies
This project looks at how microglia, the brain’s immune cells, respond to Alzheimer’s pathology through the TREM2-DAP12 signaling pathway. It seeks to understand the complex signals downstream of TREM2 that could make microglia more protective against amyloid-beta plaques. By refining approaches beyond simple antibody activation, the work aims to identify strategies that better restore brain balance and slow disease progression. The research is grounded in prior findings about microglia’s role in AD and aims to translate deeper mechanistic insight into more effective therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Gaining a clearer picture of microglial signaling could lead to more effective therapies that slow or alter Alzheimer’s disease progression.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown that microglia influence AD pathology, but therapies directly targeting TREM2 signaling have had limited clinical success, making this approach both promising and exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Colonna, Marco — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Colonna, Marco
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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.