How the Lyme bacteria get into the brain and spinal cord
Mechanisms of central nervous system invasion by the Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi
Researchers will learn how the Lyme disease bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi enters the brain and spinal fluid using mouse models to help people with neurologic Lyme disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Alabama NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mobile, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11316982 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, this work uses laboratory mouse models that the team recently showed can harbor Lyme bacteria in the meninges and cerebrospinal fluid. Scientists will compare different mouse strains and examine immune cells, blood vessels, and inflammatory proteins to map how the bacteria cross into the central nervous system. The project aims to create a reproducible mouse model of neuroborreliosis and to identify host and bacterial pathways involved in invasion and early inflammation. Findings are intended to guide future efforts to prevent or treat neurologic complications of Lyme disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a history of Lyme disease who have neurological symptoms (for example, meningitis, facial nerve palsy, neuropathy, or cognitive complaints) would be most relevant to the goals of this work and future clinical follow-ups.
Not a fit: Those without neurologic involvement from Lyme disease or people seeking immediate treatment changes are unlikely to see direct benefits from this basic animal research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could reveal targets to prevent or reduce nervous system infection and inflammation in people with Lyme disease.
How similar studies have performed: Recent mouse findings from this team and others have newly shown meninges and cerebrospinal fluid colonization, but translating these basic findings into human treatments has not yet been demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
Mobile, United States
- University of South Alabama — Mobile, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Casselli, Timothy — University of South Alabama
- Study coordinator: Casselli, Timothy
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.