Imaging immune cells and glutamate activity in the brain
Official title: Real time imaging of immune cells and glutamate dynamics by PET and metabolic MRI
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10933007 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells and a brain chemical called glutamate affect the progression of multiple sclerosis, using special imaging techniques to help us see what's happening in real-time, which could lead to better treatments for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $239,509 |
| NIH project number | 5R00AI159380-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933007 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who are experiencing disease progression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other neurological conditions unrelated to multiple sclerosis may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how immune cell activation and glutamate dynamics contribute to the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). By utilizing advanced imaging techniques like PET and metabolic MRI, the study aims to visualize immune responses and glutamate metabolism in real-time. This approach could enhance our understanding of MS pathogenesis and improve monitoring of treatment responses. Patients may benefit from insights gained through noninvasive imaging methods that could lead to better therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic and treatment options for patients with multiple sclerosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar imaging techniques to study immune responses and metabolic processes in various diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guglielmetti, Caroline — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Guglielmetti, Caroline
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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.