Using modified immune cells to target Alzheimer's disease plaques
Official title: Chimeric Antigen Receptor Myeloid Cells for Alzheimer's Disease Therapy
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10996769 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $34,623 |
| NIH project number | 1F30AG085987-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996769 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, particularly those with significant amyloid-beta plaque accumulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or those without amyloid-beta plaques may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Alexander — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Kim, Alexander
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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.