Ketogenic diet for autoimmune eye and nerve health
Official title: Interrogating the intersection between diet and ocular autoimmunity
Funded at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation · NIH-11311920 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A well-formulated ketogenic diet aims to lower inflammation and help protect vision and nerves in people with autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $541,165 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY033782-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11311920 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with autoimmune diseases that affect the eyes and central nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis or neuromyelitis optica, who are interested in dietary approaches may be most relevant to this work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with autoimmune conditions that do not affect the eyes or nervous system, or those who cannot safely follow a ketogenic diet for medical reasons, are less likely to benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
Researchers are exploring how a ketogenic diet rich in medium-chain triglycerides affects immune tolerance, gut health, and nerve repair in autoimmune conditions that harm the eyes and nervous system. Much of the work uses a mouse model (MOG-EAE) that reproduces visual and motor problems similar to those seen in multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica to trace inflammatory and remyelination pathways. The team will test whether the diet can strengthen the vision-preserving effects of existing MS treatments and promote repair of damaged nerve sheaths. Results will guide whether dietary approaches could be used alongside standard therapies to protect vision and support nerve recovery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to dietary approaches that reduce inflammation, preserve vision, and support nerve repair as an adjunct to current autoimmune therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior laboratory work by the team has shown benefit in a mouse model, but effectiveness in people has not yet been established.
Where this research is happening
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Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Plafker, Scott M — Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
- Study coordinator: Plafker, Scott M
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.