How STAT5 proteins drive immune inflammation in the brain and spinal cord in multiple sclerosis
STAT5 Tetramerization in Autoimmune-mediated Neuroinflammation
This project looks at how a form of the STAT5 protein changes immune cell behavior that can cause inflammation in people with multiple sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | West Virginia University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Morgantown, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237078 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I have multiple sclerosis, researchers are using a validated mouse model that mimics MS to see how immune cells interact inside the brain and spinal cord. They will use genetically modified mice that cannot form STAT5 tetramers to observe changes in CD4+ T cells and monocyte-derived cells during neuroinflammation. The team will measure inflammation, nerve damage, and the signaling molecules downstream of STAT5 to pinpoint what drives disease. Results are intended to reveal molecular targets that could guide future therapies for people with MS.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with multiple sclerosis or related autoimmune neuroinflammatory conditions would be the eventual target population for treatments informed by this research.
Not a fit: Individuals whose neurologic problems are not driven by immune-mediated inflammation (for example purely genetic or metabolic neuropathies) are unlikely to benefit from findings focused on immune pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new molecular targets that lead to therapies reducing harmful immune activity and slowing MS-related nerve damage.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies link STAT5 signaling to immune activity and the investigators have shown STAT5 tetramers promote disease in the EAE mouse model, but targeting STAT5 tetramers is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Morgantown, United States
- West Virginia University — Morgantown, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wan, Edwin Chi Keung — West Virginia University
- Study coordinator: Wan, Edwin Chi Keung
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.