How immune antibodies damage the neuromuscular connection in myasthenia gravis
Mechanisms of autoimmunity in myasthenia gravis
This project looks at how antibodies made by the immune system weaken muscles in people with myasthenia gravis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11127030 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have myasthenia gravis, researchers will compare immune cells and antibodies from people with early-onset and late-onset disease to learn why the immune attack differs. They will examine blood and thymus tissue when available to find the types of antibodies and immune cells involved. In the lab they will test how those antibodies block acetylcholine receptors, cause receptors to be pulled into cells, or trigger complement that damages the neuromuscular junction. The team will use these findings to explain differences between patient subgroups and point toward treatments that target the specific damaging mechanisms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people diagnosed with acetylcholine receptor-positive myasthenia gravis, especially those with early-onset or late-onset disease who can provide blood and, when clinically available, thymus tissue.
Not a fit: Patients without AChR autoantibodies (for example those with purely MuSK-positive or seronegative MG) or those unwilling to provide samples are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of the specific antibody actions could lead to more targeted treatments that reduce muscle weakness with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that AChR antibodies can block receptors, cause receptor loss, and trigger complement, but this project applies modern tools to clarify differences between patient subtypes and is partly novel.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'connor, Kevin C — Yale University
- Study coordinator: O'connor, Kevin C
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.