Using stem cells to create immune cells that target Alzheimer's disease
Hematopoietic Stem Cell-based CAR Macrophage for Alzheimer's Disease
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 ID | NIH-11031216 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease who are experiencing cognitive decline.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage Alzheimer's or those without significant amyloid beta accumulation may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhen, Anjie — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Zhen, Anjie
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 below.