Using modified immune cells to target Alzheimer's disease plaques

Chimeric Antigen Receptor Myeloid Cells for Alzheimer's Disease Therapy

NIH-funded research Washington University · NIH-10996769

This study is looking at a new way to help Alzheimer's patients by using specially modified immune cells to target and reduce harmful plaques in the brain, with the hope of making current treatments more effective and easier to tolerate.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10996769 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modified myeloid cells to target and reduce amyloid-beta plaques in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients. By enhancing the ability of these immune cells to recognize and clear these plaques, the study aims to improve existing therapies that have shown limited effectiveness and significant side effects. The approach involves injecting these modified cells into specific brain regions to assess their ability to migrate and reduce plaque load, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes for Alzheimer's patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, particularly those with significant amyloid-beta plaque accumulation.

Not a fit: Patients with other forms of dementia or those without amyloid-beta plaques may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective therapies for Alzheimer's disease that reduce plaque buildup with fewer side effects.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using modified immune cells for targeting amyloid plaques, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Saint Louis, 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 syndromeAlzheimer's Disease
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.