Investigating how bacteria and the immune system affect Lyme disease in the nervous system
Official title: Bacterial and host factors in the pathogenesis of Lyme neuroborreliosis
Funded at University of North Dakota · NIH-11088848 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how the bacteria that cause Lyme disease and our immune system can lead to nerve problems in people with Lyme neuroborreliosis, using animal models to find out why some patients still feel sick even after treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Dakota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Grand Forks, United States) |
| Project start | June 23, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $394,855 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI158304-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088848 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with Lyme disease and are experiencing neurological symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been diagnosed with Lyme disease or do not exhibit neurological symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the Lyme disease-causing bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, and the body's immune response contribute to neurological complications associated with Lyme neuroborreliosis. The study will utilize animal models to explore the mechanisms of central nervous system pathology, including how the bacteria colonize the dura mater and trigger inflammatory responses. By examining these interactions, the research aims to uncover why some patients continue to experience debilitating symptoms despite antibiotic treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from persistent neurological symptoms after Lyme disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding Lyme disease pathology, but this specific approach to studying CNS involvement is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brissette, Catherine Ayn — University of North Dakota
- Study coordinator: Brissette, Catherine Ayn
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.