Using nanotechnology to target glial cells and reduce neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Nanotechnology for Glial Targeting and Inhibition of Neuroinflammation for Alzheimer’s Disease
Funded at Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. · NIH-10807382 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new treatment using tiny particles that can target specific brain cells to help reduce inflammation and clear out harmful proteins in people with Alzheimer's disease, which could help ease symptoms and slow down the progression of the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Piscataway, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $445,625 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG085394-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10807382 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease who are experiencing neuroinflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or those without a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing nanoparticles that specifically target glial cells in the brain to help reduce neuroinflammation associated with Alzheimer's disease. By utilizing synthetic amphiphilic macromolecules, the study aims to enhance the clearance of amyloid-beta, a protein that contributes to the disease's progression. Patients may benefit from a novel treatment approach that not only alleviates symptoms but also potentially slows down the disease's advancement. The research involves laboratory experiments to test the effectiveness of these nanoparticles in blocking inflammatory responses and promoting the clearance of harmful proteins.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease and improve the quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using nanotechnology for targeting specific cells in the brain, suggesting that this approach could be effective for Alzheimer's disease as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
Piscataway, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moghe, Prabhas V — Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
- Study coordinator: Moghe, Prabhas V
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
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.