Using engineered immune cells to reduce inflammation and tackle Alzheimer's disease

Human iPSC-Derived Chimeric Antigen Receptor Macrophages to Modulate Inflammation and Combat Tau-Induced Pathology

NIH-funded research University of Minnesota · NIH-11030411

This study is testing a new treatment for Alzheimer's and related dementias that uses specially designed immune cells to help reduce inflammation in the brain, which could lead to better symptoms and a higher quality of life for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Minnesota NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11030411 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new type of immune cell therapy to combat Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By engineering macrophages from human stem cells, the study aims to create cells that can specifically target and reduce inflammation associated with tau pathology in the brain. The approach involves using chimeric antigen receptors to enhance the macrophages' ability to identify and eliminate harmful proteins. Patients may benefit from a novel treatment that could improve their symptoms and overall quality of life.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias who are experiencing chronic inflammation and tau pathology.

Not a fit: Patients with non-neurodegenerative conditions or those without Alzheimer's disease or related dementias may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a groundbreaking treatment for Alzheimer's disease that significantly alleviates symptoms and slows disease progression.

How similar studies have performed: While similar immune cell therapies have shown promise in oncology, this specific application for Alzheimer's disease is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Minneapolis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.