Investigating how Lyme disease bacteria interact with the brain's protective barrier
Official title: B. burgdorferi interactions with the blood-CSF barrier: Development of a 3D choroid plexus organoid
Funded at University of North Dakota · NIH-11014584 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria that causes Lyme disease affects the brain's protective barrier, using a special model to mimic human brain tissue, so we can better understand the ongoing neurological symptoms some Lyme disease patients experience and hopefully find better treatments for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Dakota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Grand Forks, United States) |
| Project start | November 15, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $70,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AI187066-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11014584 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, affects the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier in the brain. By developing a 3D organoid model of the choroid plexus, which is responsible for producing cerebrospinal fluid, the researchers aim to study the inflammatory responses triggered by the bacteria. This approach allows for a more accurate representation of human brain tissue and its interactions with pathogens, potentially revealing mechanisms behind persistent neurological symptoms in Lyme disease patients. The findings could lead to better understanding and treatment options for those suffering from Lyme neuroborreliosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from persistent neurological symptoms related to Lyme disease.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using a 3D choroid plexus organoid is novel, previous research has shown that understanding pathogen interactions with the blood-CSF barrier can lead to significant insights into central nervous system infections.
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
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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.