Understanding how immune cells affect brain development in Down Syndrome
Official title: Microglial contribution to Down Syndrome Neuropathology
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11004613 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special immune cells in the brain, called microglia, might affect brain development in people with Down Syndrome, with the hope of finding new ways to help improve thinking skills for those with the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $465,686 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS126452-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004613 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children and young adults diagnosed with Down Syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Down Syndrome or those with other unrelated neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of microglial cells, a type of immune cell in the brain, in the development of Down Syndrome (DS). It aims to understand how these cells contribute to neurodevelopmental deficits associated with DS, which is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. The researchers will use advanced techniques, including organoid microglia cocultures and a chimeric mouse model, to study the interactions between microglia and brain cells. By examining these interactions, the research seeks to uncover potential therapeutic targets for improving cognitive function in individuals with DS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve cognitive and developmental outcomes for individuals with Down Syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: There is growing evidence that targeting microglial dysfunction can lead to improvements in neurodevelopmental disorders, suggesting a promising avenue for this research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Coufal, Nicole Gabriele — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Coufal, Nicole Gabriele
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Exploring how Down syndrome affects optic nerve health in kids
A study using a mouse model to understand why optic nerve problems are common in children with Down syndrome and how to prevent them.
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Executive Function Enhancement for Young Children with Down Syndrome
A caregiver-guided program for kids with Down syndrome aged up to 11 to strengthen their thinking skills during early childhood.
-
Silencing an Extra Chromosome to Help Down Syndrome and Related Conditions
A patient-friendly plan to use a gene-based approach to quiet an extra chromosome in cells and a mouse model to reduce disease-related effects in Down syndrome and other chromosomal imbalance disorders.
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Infant Down Syndrome Brain and Behavior Study
A study of infants with Down syndrome to collect brain imaging and developmental data, creating a large, shared resource to understand how autism and other factors relate to development.
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DS-ARC: Smartphone-based cognitive check for people with Down syndrome at risk for Alzheimer’s
A smartphone-based cognitive test is being developed and tested for people with Down syndrome who may develop Alzheimer’s disease, to track changes quietly in daily life.
-
Immune and NGF factors in Alzheimer’s for adults with Down syndrome
This grant studies why people with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer’s disease by looking at immune signals and nerve growth factor problems.
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.