Investigating how a specific receptor affects multiple sclerosis progression
Official title: The role of TNFR2 in ameliorating progressive encephalomyelitis
Funded at University of Texas San Antonio · NIH-11004717 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific brain receptor called TNFR2 might help protect and heal the nervous system in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), using a special mouse model to see how it works with different brain cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas San Antonio NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2021 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $337,715 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS117742-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004717 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with progressive multiple sclerosis who may benefit from novel treatment approaches targeting TNFR2.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-progressive forms of multiple sclerosis or other unrelated neurological conditions may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of the TNFR2 receptor in the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). It explores how TNFR2 can potentially protect the central nervous system and promote repair mechanisms in patients with MS. By using a specialized mouse model that mimics human MS, the researchers aim to uncover the beneficial effects of TNFR2 expressed by astrocytes, a type of brain cell. The study will involve examining the interactions between different cell types in the brain and how they contribute to either disease progression or recovery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that harness the protective effects of TNFR2 to slow down or reverse the progression of multiple sclerosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that targeting TNF pathways can have both beneficial and detrimental effects in autoimmune diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield novel insights into MS treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas San Antonio
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Forsthuber, Thomas G. — University of Texas San Antonio
- Study coordinator: Forsthuber, Thomas G.
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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.