How Lyme bacteria interact with the brain's spinal-fluid barrier (choroid plexus)
B. burgdorferi interactions with the blood-CSF barrier: Development of a 3D choroid plexus organoid
['FUNDING_R03'] · UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA · NIH-11232285
Using a lab-grown 3D model of the brain's choroid plexus to see how Lyme bacteria might damage the spinal-fluid barrier in people with neurological Lyme symptoms.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R03'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (GRAND FORKS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11232285 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will create a 3D "mini-organ" of the choroid plexus from human cells to mimic the blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier. They will expose this organoid to Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, and monitor barrier integrity, inflammatory signals, and bacterial interactions. The team will use gene expression, protein markers of tight junctions, and imaging to detect damage or bacterial entry. Results will be compared with prior mouse data to better reflect human-specific responses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll patients now, but people with Lyme disease and ongoing neurologic symptoms could be candidates for future related studies or for donating samples.
Not a fit: Because this is a lab-based project, it will not provide direct treatment or immediate clinical benefit to patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could clarify how Lyme bacteria enter or damage the brain and point to ways to prevent or treat neurological symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: Previous cell and mouse studies have shown B. burgdorferi can trigger inflammation and alter choroid plexus barrier genes, and the 3D organoid approach builds on that work while being relatively new.
Where this research is happening
GRAND FORKS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA — GRAND FORKS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BRISSETTE, CATHERINE AYN — UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA
- Study coordinator: BRISSETTE, CATHERINE AYN
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.