Developing a mouse model to understand Lyme neuroborreliosis

A murine model of Lyme neuroborreliosis

NIH-funded research Michigan State University · NIH-10786495

This study is working on creating a special type of mouse that can help us better understand how Lyme disease affects the nervous system, so we can learn more about the symptoms and inflammation it causes.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMichigan State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (East Lansing, United States)
Project IDNIH-10786495 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to create a new mouse model that can effectively mimic the neurological aspects of Lyme disease, specifically Lyme neuroborreliosis. By allowing the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease to enter the central and peripheral nervous systems, the researchers hope to observe the resulting inflammatory lesions and neurological symptoms. This model will help bridge the knowledge gap in understanding how Lyme disease affects the nervous system, which is currently limited due to the inadequacy of existing animal models. The study will utilize a specific mouse strain known as the Collaborative Cross to achieve these objectives.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with Lyme disease and are experiencing neurological symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients who have not been diagnosed with Lyme disease or do not exhibit neurological symptoms may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for patients suffering from Lyme neuroborreliosis.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on Lyme disease, the development of a suitable mouse model for Lyme neuroborreliosis is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

East Lansing, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.