How differences in natural killer immune cells relate to multiple sclerosis
Role of Natural Killer Cell Diversity in Multiple Sclerosis Risk and Disease Course
Researchers will map genetic and functional differences in natural killer (NK) immune cell receptors in people with multiple sclerosis, including those from diverse ancestry groups.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10878820 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at whether variations in NK cell receptors affect who develops MS and how the disease progresses. Researchers will sequence NK receptor genes using high-throughput next-generation sequencing across well-characterized MS cohorts that include diverse racial and ethnic groups. They will link genetic findings to NK cell behavior measured in blood samples and use laboratory tools, including CRISPR-based approaches, to test how specific receptor differences change cell function. The work aims to explain how NK receptor variation may influence MS risk and disease course.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds) who can provide blood samples and are enrolled in or willing to join established MS research cohorts.
Not a fit: People without MS, those unable to provide blood samples, or those not part of the study cohorts are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify biomarkers or immune targets that help predict MS risk, guide treatment choices, or point to new therapeutic strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has linked NK cells to MS, but this high-resolution genomic and CRISPR-enabled functional mapping of NK receptor variation is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hollenbach, Jill Allison — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Hollenbach, Jill Allison
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.