Using stem cells to create immune cells that target Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Hematopoietic Stem Cell-based CAR Macrophage for Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11031216 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with Alzheimer's by using special immune cells that can target and break down harmful plaques in the brain, with the hope of improving memory and reducing inflammation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $374,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R61AG090398-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11031216 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 cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage Alzheimer's or those without significant amyloid beta accumulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new treatment for Alzheimer's disease by developing immune cells that can specifically target and reduce amyloid beta plaques in the brain. The approach utilizes hematopoietic stem cells to create Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) macrophages, which are designed to not only attack these harmful plaques but also decrease inflammation in the central nervous system. The project will first test the effectiveness of these CAR macrophages in laboratory settings before moving on to animal models to assess their safety and long-term benefits for cognitive function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a groundbreaking therapy that significantly slows down or even reverses cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients.
How similar studies have gone: While CAR technology has shown promise in cancer treatment, this specific application for Alzheimer's disease is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhen, Anjie — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Zhen, Anjie
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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.