Indole lactate from gut microbiota could help repair myelin in MS
Official title: Role of a gut microbiota metabolite indole lactate in myelin repair
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11369086 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Johns Hopkins team is testing a gut-derived molecule called indole lactate to see if it can promote remyelination and reduce neuroinflammation in multiple sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | July 8, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $498,573 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS133205-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11369086 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living with MS or at risk of demyelination who may benefit from therapies that promote remyelination.
✕Less likely to help
People without MS or with conditions where remyelination therapies are not applicable.
What this research studies
This research focuses on a metabolite made by gut bacteria that may influence brain repair in people with MS. The team will study how indole lactate affects oligodendrocyte precursor cells and remyelination in animal models and in conditions that mimic MS barriers to repair. By uncovering the mechanism of action, they aim to understand how ILA could become a therapeutic option to help patients recover from demyelination. The project builds on existing data that link higher ILA levels with less severe disease and demonstrates a path toward translating these findings to people with MS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a new treatment that promotes myelin repair and reduces disability in MS.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical data show ILA can promote OPC differentiation and remyelination in MS models, suggesting potential for translation.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bhargava, Pavan — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Bhargava, Pavan
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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.