Creating targeted antibodies to treat Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Official title: Development of ganglioside specific IgGs for the treatment of Guillian-Barré Syndrome
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-11039976 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new ways to help people with Guillain-Barré Syndrome by finding special antibodies that can block the harmful effects of the body’s own immune response, especially for those who haven't improved with current treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | February 19, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $182,243 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI175925-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11039976 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome and have not responded adequately to standard treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Guillain-Barré Syndrome who have already responded well to existing treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing specific antibodies that can target and neutralize the harmful effects of auto-antibodies associated with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a condition often triggered by infections like Campylobacter jejuni. By screening B cells from former GBS patients, the researchers aim to identify and isolate these antibodies, which will then be tested for their effectiveness in laboratory settings. The goal is to create a new therapeutic option that could improve treatment outcomes for patients who do not respond to current therapies like intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIg).
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new treatment option for patients with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, particularly those who do not respond to existing therapies.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of developing specific antibodies for GBS is innovative, similar strategies in other autoimmune conditions have shown promise, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Szymanski, Christine M. — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Szymanski, Christine M.
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.