Understanding brain blood vessel changes in Alzheimer's disease
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy: Role of ApoE, innate immunity, and meningeal lymphatics
['FUNDING_P01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11136268
This research explores how genetics, the body's defense system, and brain drainage pathways affect a condition called cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), which often occurs with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11136268 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a condition where a protein called amyloid-beta builds up in the walls of small blood vessels in the brain, leading to problems like impaired blood flow and bleeding. This often happens in people with Alzheimer's disease, but can also occur on its own. Our team is looking at how a specific gene called APOE, the body's immune response, and the brain's lymphatic system (which helps clear waste) all play a part in CAA. We also want to see if improving lymphatic function could help make current treatments for CAA, like antibody therapies, more effective and reduce side effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with Alzheimer's disease or cerebral amyloid angiopathy may benefit from future treatments developed from this foundational research.
Not a fit: Patients without cerebral amyloid angiopathy or Alzheimer's disease are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat CAA, potentially reducing cognitive decline and improving the safety of Alzheimer's therapies for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have indicated that APOE genotype, fluid movement in the brain, and immune cells influence CAA, and recent work has shown anti-APOE antibodies can reduce CAA.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HOLTZMAN, DAVID M. — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: HOLTZMAN, DAVID M.
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