Using targeted therapies to improve brain fluid flow in aging and Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Long-lived Activation of Parenchymal Border Macrophages Using Immunocytokines to Address Aging- and Alzheimer’s Disease-associated Deficits in Cerebrospinal Fluid Dynamics
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11116383 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to help improve the flow of fluid in the brain to keep it healthy, especially for people dealing with aging or Alzheimer's, by using a special protein to boost certain immune cells that help clear out waste.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $234,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG093031-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11116383 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults experiencing cognitive decline or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute neurological conditions or those not experiencing age-related cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain, which is crucial for clearing out waste and maintaining brain health. The study focuses on a specific type of immune cell, called parenchymal border macrophages, which play a key role in regulating CSF dynamics. By developing innovative therapies that deliver a protein called macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) directly to these immune cells, the researchers hope to improve CSF flow and reduce harmful protein buildup associated with aging and Alzheimer's disease. This approach involves both direct delivery into the spinal fluid and intravenous methods to ensure sustained activation of these immune cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve brain health and function in older adults and those with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using targeted immune therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tessier, Peter M — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Tessier, Peter M
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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.