Understanding how brain immune cells affect Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Regulation of diverse microglial phenotypes in neurodegeneration
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10901024 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in the brain, called microglia, might affect the development of Alzheimer's disease, and it aims to find ways to use this information to create better treatments for people with the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $871,419 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AG084128-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10901024 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with late-onset Alzheimer's disease or those who are age-matched controls without the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease may not benefit directly from this research as it focuses on late-onset forms of the disease.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of microglia, the brain's immune cells, in the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). By analyzing brain samples from individuals with late-onset Alzheimer's and age-matched controls, the study aims to identify specific microglial phenotypes that contribute to AD pathology. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques like single nucleus RNA sequencing to explore how these immune cells function and how their activity may be manipulated for therapeutic purposes. This work seeks to clarify the complex interactions between aging and Alzheimer's disease, potentially leading to targeted treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that specifically target the immune mechanisms involved in Alzheimer's disease, improving outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding microglial roles in neurodegeneration, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jayadev, Suman — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Jayadev, Suman
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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.