Immune reasons why MS may worsen faster in Black and Hispanic people
Immunology of advancing disease among minorities with Multiple Sclerosis
['FUNDING_R01'] · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11093573
This work looks at whether antibody-producing immune cells cause faster nerve damage in Black and Hispanic people with multiple sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DALLAS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11093573 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you join this work, researchers will compare immune signals from Black, Hispanic, and White people with MS to look for differences linked to worse outcomes. They will measure antibody levels and the number of plasmablasts (antibody-producing B cells) in blood and spinal fluid. Lab tests will check whether those antibodies or immune products harm nerve cells, and results will be compared with MRI and clinical measures of disease progression. The goal is to find immune mechanisms that could help guide better treatments for Black and Hispanic patients with MS.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with multiple sclerosis, especially Black/African American or Hispanic/Latino individuals, who can provide blood and possibly spinal fluid samples and clinical information.
Not a fit: People without MS or those whose disease is not driven by antibody-producing B cells may not directly benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to treatments or tests that prevent nerve damage and improve care for Black and Hispanic people with MS.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has found higher antibody markers in Black and Hispanic MS patients and B-cell therapies can help MS, but focusing on plasmablast-driven neuronal toxicity in these groups is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
DALLAS, UNITED STATES
- UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER — DALLAS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MONSON, NANCY L — UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: MONSON, NANCY L
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.