How TCF1 and stress-hormone signals control harmful Th17 immune cells in multiple sclerosis
A TCF1:Glucocorticoid regulatory circuit controls IL-23-driven Th17 pathogenicity
['FUNDING_R01'] · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11248851
This project looks at whether the protein TCF1 and hormone (glucocorticoid) signals prevent certain Th17 immune cells from turning into the inflammatory cells that damage the nervous system in people with multiple sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11248851 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You will hear about work aimed at a type of immune cell (Th17) that can be either harmless or disease-causing in MS. The team uses mouse models that lack TCF1 only in mature T cells to see how TCF1 affects the switch driven by IL-23 and how glucocorticoid signaling fits into that switch. Findings will be compared with human-derived cells or samples to link the mouse results to people with MS. The goal is to trace the molecular steps that turn normal Th17 cells into the ones that cause damage so new treatment targets can be found.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be adults with multiple sclerosis who can provide blood or other immune samples for laboratory analysis.
Not a fit: People without MS or patients seeking immediate changes in their clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct or immediate benefit from this basic science work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal new molecular targets to prevent or reduce the harmful Th17 cells that drive MS flare-ups.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked IL-23 and Th17 cells to MS and shown genetic ties to TCF7, but the specific TCF-1 and glucocorticoid regulatory circuit being explored here is a novel mechanistic angle.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ANDERSON, ANA C — BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: ANDERSON, ANA 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.
Conditions: CNS Diseases, CNS disorder