Understanding how Tregs release dopamine and its effects on nerve health
Official title: Untangling the role of dopamine release from Tregs: implications for neurodegeneration at the neuron-immune synapse
Funded at University of Cincinnati · NIH-10866768 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells and a brain chemical called dopamine work together, which could help us understand and improve treatments for age-related brain diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $395,837 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG086735-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10866768 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing age-related neurodegenerative conditions or those with immune system dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute neurological injuries or those without neurodegenerative conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between immune cells, specifically Tregs, and neurotransmitters like dopamine to understand their role in neurodegeneration. The study aims to develop advanced tools to measure how Tregs release dopamine in real-time and how this affects communication between neurons and immune cells. By focusing on the dynamics of dopamine signaling, the research seeks to uncover new insights into neuroinflammation and its implications for age-related neurological diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases by targeting immune cell communication.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of measuring subsecond dopamine signaling from Tregs is novel, related research has shown promise in understanding immune-neuronal interactions.
Where this research is happening
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University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ross, Ashley E — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Ross, Ashley E
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.