Measuring immune activity in long-standing MS brain lesions to guide treatment
Quantification of the Innate Immune Activity within Chronic Lesions as a Novel Treatment Biomarker in Multiple Sclerosis
This project uses an advanced MRI method to find ongoing inflammation in long-standing MS brain lesions so people with MS might get more targeted treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308627 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would have high-resolution MRI scans using a technique called quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) that can detect iron and inflammatory cells around chronic MS lesions known as paramagnetic rim lesions (PRLs). The researchers will refine and validate a clinically practical QSM approach to reliably find and measure inflammation inside individual PRLs over time. They will compare MRI changes with known therapies to see which treatments reduce innate immune burden at lesion edges. The goal is to make a repeatable imaging marker that doctors can use during routine care or trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with multiple sclerosis—especially those with long-standing brain lesions, signs of progressive symptoms, or concerns about ongoing lesion inflammation—would be the best candidates to benefit from this work.
Not a fit: Patients without visible chronic brain lesions, those with very early or purely relapsing MS lacking paramagnetic rim lesions, or people who cannot undergo MRI may not benefit directly from this biomarker.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could let doctors identify smoldering inflammation in MS lesions and better target or change treatments to slow disability progression.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work and the team's preliminary data show QSM can detect iron-laden rim lesions and track changes over time, but using QSM as a validated treatment biomarker is still under active testing.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gauthier, Susan a — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Gauthier, Susan a
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 below.