Investigating the role of meningeal ectopic lymphoid tissues in multiple sclerosis
Official title: Meningeal ectopic lymphoid tissues (mELTs): Composition, organization and expression revealed by imaging and in situ transcriptomics
Funded at University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt · NIH-11075288 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special immune tissues in the brains of people with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis to see how they might affect inflammation and disease progression, with the hope of finding new ways to help treat this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Farmington, United States) |
| Project start | April 16, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $439,761 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS133112-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075288 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis who are experiencing treatment resistance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis or those without a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding meningeal ectopic lymphoid tissues (mELTs) that develop in patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). By using advanced imaging techniques and in situ transcriptomics, the study aims to analyze the composition and organization of these tissues, which may contribute to inflammation and neurodegeneration in SPMS. The research will involve both human samples and animal models to explore how these structures influence disease progression and treatment resistance. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic targets for SPMS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could identify new treatment strategies for patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.
How similar studies have gone: While the investigation of mELTs in SPMS is a relatively novel approach, similar studies have shown promise in understanding autoimmune conditions and their inflammatory mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
Farmington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pachter, Joel S — University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
- Study coordinator: Pachter, Joel S
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.