How viral-triggered processes cause damage and repair in multiple sclerosis
Defining mechanisms of disease and repair in a viral model of multiple sclerosis
This work looks at whether immune signals and transplanted nerve-support cells can help repair the myelin sheath and protect nerves in multiple sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11327249 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses a well-established mouse model of virus-triggered MS to study how immune signals control inflammation, nerve damage, and repair. Researchers will apply genetic tools (including CRISPR), two-photon live imaging, and targeted cell ablation to track and manipulate cells involved in demyelination and remyelination. The team will examine how chemokine signals affect oligodendrocyte progenitor cell maturation, how microglia influence damage and repair, and how transplanted human or mouse neural progenitor cells support axons and myelin. All experiments are laboratory-based using mice and grafted cells at UC Irvine to define mechanisms that could guide future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with multiple sclerosis who have ongoing demyelination are the eventual group this work aims to help, though the project itself uses animal models and does not enroll patients.
Not a fit: Patients without active demyelination or with advanced, irreversible nerve loss are less likely to benefit from remyelination-focused approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new ways to boost myelin repair and protect nerve function in people with MS.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies and early cell-transplant experiments have shown promise for promoting remyelination, but translating these approaches into proven human treatments remains uncertain.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lane, Thomas E — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Lane, Thomas E
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.