# The Role of Aspergillus versicolor and the Th2 Lung-Brain Axis in Alzheimer's Disease-like Neuropathology

> **NIH NIH R01** · INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS · 2024 · $41,000

## Abstract

SUPPLEMENT ABSTRACT
Dr. Michelle Block seeks an administrative supplement under the "Established Investigators Who Are or
Become Disabled" category due to recently acquired disabilities, necessitating additional personnel and
software supports. The parent grant, 1R01AG07614, The Role of Aspergillus versicolor and the Th2 Lung–
Brain Axis in Alzheimer's Disease-like Neuropathology, investigates the potential link between exposure to
Aspergillus versicolor, a fungal bioaerosol, and Alzheimer's disease (AD) development. The study investigates
A. versicolor exposure in mice and the induction of pulmonary inflammation and immune responses. The
project aims to unravel the underlying mechanisms of these responses, focusing on IL-5, HMGB1, and TREM2
and exploring their roles in the Th2 lung–brain axis. Data show that A. versicolor increases Aβ plaque numbers
and alters plaque-associated TREM2 and microglia in the 5xFAD mouse model of AD. Implications extend to
identifying key mechanisms involved in the lung–brain axis that may contribute to AD development, providing
potential targets for intervention. A comprehensive approach, including genetic modifications and antibody
treatments, explores the proposed connections between environmental exposures and AD pathogenesis.
Requested supports cover research management, including a project manager and admin assistant, and
software tools (Lab Guru, 15/Five). These adjustments are integral to mitigating Dr. Block's recent autoimmune
diagnoses, enhancing project success without altering the original scope.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11002530
- **Project number:** 3R01AG076142-03S1
- **Recipient organization:** INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS
- **Principal Investigator:** Michelle L Block
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $41,000
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2022-02-01 → 2024-06-24

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11002530

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11002530, The Role of Aspergillus versicolor and the Th2 Lung-Brain Axis in Alzheimer's Disease-like Neuropathology (3R01AG076142-03S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11002530. Licensed CC0.

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