Using engineered macrophages to treat Alzheimer's disease

Off-the-shelf CAR-Engineered Macrophage Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease

NIH-funded research New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11030891

This study is testing a new, easier, and safer treatment for Alzheimer's disease that uses specially designed cells to help clear harmful proteins from the brain, with the hope of improving memory and thinking skills for people living with the condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNew York University School of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11030891 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new therapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD) using engineered macrophages derived from human stem cells. The approach aims to target and clear misfolded proteins that contribute to AD pathology, potentially reversing cognitive decline. Unlike traditional therapies that require frequent infusions and can have serious side effects, this 'off-the-shelf' solution is designed to be more accessible and safer for patients. The study will explore the effectiveness of these engineered cells in reducing the harmful proteins associated with Alzheimer's.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease who are experiencing cognitive decline.

Not a fit: Patients with other forms of dementia or those who do not have Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective treatment option for patients with Alzheimer's disease.

How similar studies have performed: While CAR therapies have shown success in oncology, this specific application in neurodegeneration is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndrome
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.