# Defining the role of meningeal neutrophils in cognition

> **NIH NIH K22** · WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $216,000

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The overall goal of this project is to elucidate the role neutrophils, both peripheral and
meningeal, play in CNS homeostasis. Specifically, how neutrophil activity and location
may influence the molecular landscape of neurons in learning and memory. During the
mentored phase of this project, I will focus on characterizing the neutrophil population
within the meninges, the location of these cells in the meninges, and determine whether
the meninges act as a non-medullary source of neutrophils (Aim 1). During this period, I
will also determine the specific role these cells play in modulating learning and memory
in mice (Aim 2). The completion of these aims will help me develop skills in bioinformatics,
establishing slice cultures and gain a rudimentary working knowledge of
electrophysiological methods. These techniques will be of further use to me in the
independent phase of this grant. During the independence phase, I will investigate
elucidate the role of peripheral and meningeal neutrophils in different learning paradigms
(Aim 2). Upon completion, this project will elucidate new neuromodulatory function of
neutrophils and identify the meninges as a source of these cells within the CNS. These
results will greatly inform our understanding of the role these cells play in injury and
neurodegeneration.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10878960
- **Project number:** 5K22NS114363-05
- **Recipient organization:** WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Aminata Porhy Coulibaly
- **Activity code:** K22 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $216,000
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-07-01 → 2025-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10878960

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10878960, Defining the role of meningeal neutrophils in cognition (5K22NS114363-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10878960. Licensed CC0.

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