Antibodies that target PLP1-linked parts of myelin in multiple sclerosis
Contribution of antibodies targeting PLP1-anchored membrane domains to multiple sclerosis pathogenesis
This work looks at whether certain antibodies that attack PLP1-linked parts of myelin are found in people with multiple sclerosis and how they cause nerve damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11182694 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers produce antibodies using B cells from the spinal fluid of people with MS and test how those antibodies bind to myelin complexes that include the PLP1 protein. They study which antibodies trigger oligodendrocyte death and demyelination in lab and animal models and examine how lipids like sulfatide and cholesterol affect antibody binding. The team has developed a semi-quantitative CSF binding assay to detect PLP1-complex antibodies and will refine this test to classify patients and probe mechanisms of damage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (age 21+) with multiple sclerosis—especially those with early active disease or who can provide cerebrospinal fluid—would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without PLP1-complex antibodies or those with non-inflammatory neurological conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify a subgroup of MS patients with harmful PLP1-targeting antibodies and enable better diagnostics or targeted therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has already found PLP1-complex-binding antibodies in a large fraction of MS patients and shown similar antibodies cause demyelination in models, so this builds on promising results.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bennett, Jeffrey L — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Bennett, Jeffrey L
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.