How immune system genes and gut bacteria interact in multiple sclerosis
Official title: Role of HLA Class-II Polymorphism in the Regulation of Host-Microbiota Symbiosis
Funded at Iowa City VA Medical Center · NIH-11213933 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work looks at whether differences in certain immune-system genes change gut bacteria and affect symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Iowa City VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX006112-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11213933 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be adults with multiple sclerosis who are willing to provide samples or genetic information and can work with the Iowa City VA team.
✕Less likely to help
People without MS or whose disease is driven by non-HLA factors may not see direct benefit from this project's findings.
What this research studies
Researchers are exploring how variations in HLA class-II genes influence the mix of bacteria in the gut and immune responses that drive multiple sclerosis. They use specialized mouse models carrying human HLA alleles to compare immune reactions, gut microbiome profiles, and bacterial metabolites across different genetic backgrounds. The team links specific HLA types to changes in Th17 immune activity and microbial signatures that may protect against or worsen disease. Findings will be used to guide ideas for microbiome-based tests or therapies for people with MS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new microbiome-based tests or treatments that help prevent or lessen MS flare-ups.
How similar studies have gone: Previous animal studies and some human data link HLA types and gut microbes to immune changes, but turning those findings into human therapies remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
-
Iowa City VA Medical Center
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mangalam, Ashutosh Kumar — Iowa City VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mangalam, Ashutosh Kumar
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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.