Dr. Ryan S. Dhindsa, assistant professor of pathology and immunology at Baylor College of Medicine and principal investigator at Texas Children’s Duncan Neurological Research Institute, was awarded the American Brain Foundation’s Cure One, Cure Many award in Neuroinflammation on Mar. 25 to study how viral infections may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.
The grant, which provides up to $2 million in funding, aims to support research that could lead to new methods for preventing and treating Alzheimer’s disease. These approaches may include antiviral therapies, vaccines, and more personalized care for patients who are at risk.
Dhindsa leads the project with Dr. Caleb Lareau from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Dr. Artem Babaian from the University of Toronto. The team will analyze genetic and health data from over one million people as they investigate links between viral exposures, immune responses, and Alzheimer’s disease progression. Their research also involves studying brain tissue at the single-cell level using laboratory models based on human stem cell–derived brain cells.
“It is an honor to receive this support from the Cure One, Cure Many Award. Viral infections are emerging as a major, underappreciated driver of Alzheimer's disease, and this award will allow our team to conduct the most comprehensive screen of viral exposures and host genetics in Alzheimer's to date, spanning over a million individuals,” said Dhindsa. “Our goal is to identify which viruses matter most, why some people are more vulnerable than others, and ultimately move the field closer to new therapeutic strategies for patients.”
Baylor College of Medicine focuses on advancing research, education, patient care, and community service as an independent health sciences university according to its official website. The institution functions independently while engaging in clinical partnerships according to its official website and collaborates in environments that promote integrated health sciences according to its official website. Paul Klotman holds the roles of president, chief executive officer, and executive dean at Baylor College of Medicine according to its official website.
The American Brain Foundation's Cure One, Cure Many Award supports innovative research in neuroinflammation with potential benefits across multiple neurological diseases.
