Blocking CD74 to reduce inflammation and protect nerves in MS
Official title: DRhQ Regulation of Intrinsic CD74 Activation in EAE
Funded at Portland VA Medical Center · NIH-11299992 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A lab-made therapy called DRhQ that blocks a protein on immune cells to lower inflammation and protect nerves in people with multiple sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Portland VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2009 |
| Project end | September 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 2I01RD001442-17A2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11299992 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults living with multiple sclerosis or other demyelinating neurological conditions, especially veterans with MS, would be the most relevant candidates for future trials of this approach.
✕Less likely to help
People without immune-driven demyelinating disease or whose symptoms are unrelated to MS are unlikely to benefit from this work.
What this research studies
This project tests a biological agent called DRhQ that sticks to CD74 on immune cells to block damaging signals from MIF proteins. The team uses lab experiments and an animal model of MS (EAE) to see whether DRhQ reduces inflammation, protects axons, and slows demyelination. They will analyze immune cells, brain and spinal tissue, and signaling molecules like ERK phosphorylation to understand how the drug works. Positive preclinical results could support moving DRhQ toward human testing for MS and related injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, DRhQ could reduce inflammatory attacks, protect nerve fibers, and slow disability progression in people with multiple sclerosis.
How similar studies have gone: Targeting the MIF–CD74 pathway has shown promise in preclinical models, but human testing of this specific approach remains limited and largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
-
Portland VA Medical Center
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vandenbark, Arthur a. — Portland VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Vandenbark, Arthur a.
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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.