Using engineered T cells to target Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Engineered T cell approaches for Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11031138 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help improve thinking and memory in people with Alzheimer's by using special immune cells called CAR T cells to target harmful brain proteins, and it may lead to a new treatment option beyond what we have now.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $728,370 |
| NIH project number | 1R61AG090394-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11031138 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease who are experiencing cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or those who do not have Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of engineered T cells, known as CAR T cells, to improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease by targeting amyloid beta plaques and other related brain antigens. The approach aims to harness the immune system's potential to modulate cognition, which has been shown to have both protective and harmful effects in Alzheimer's pathology. By understanding how T cells can release beneficial cytokines, the research seeks to develop a novel treatment strategy that goes beyond current therapies focused solely on reducing amyloid beta levels. Patients may be involved in trials that explore the safety and efficacy of this innovative treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a groundbreaking treatment that improves cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients.
How similar studies have gone: While CAR T cell therapy has shown success in treating hematologic malignancies, its application in Alzheimer's disease is novel and largely untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kipnis, Jonathan — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Kipnis, Jonathan
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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.