Myeloid immune cells that may drive autoimmune damage in the brain and spinal cord

Defining the role of CD11c+CD88+CD317+ myeloid cells as mediators of CNS autoimmunity

NIH-funded research VA North Texas Health Care System · NIH-11212736

This project looks at a specific group of immune cells to understand how they might cause or worsen autoimmune attacks in the brain and spinal cord for people with conditions like multiple sclerosis.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVA North Texas Health Care System NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Dallas, United States)
Project IDNIH-11212736 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

From my perspective, researchers are studying a specific immune cell type marked by CD11c, CD88 and CD317 to learn how they might trigger attacks on the brain and spinal cord. They mainly use lab models (mice with MS-like disease), cell-sorting, and antibody tools to track, tag, or remove these cells and observe effects on disease. The team also examines blood and nervous-system tissue to see how these cells move, stick to vessels, and activate other immune cells. The goal is to determine whether blocking or changing these myeloid cells could reduce nerve inflammation and injury.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with multiple sclerosis or other autoimmune conditions affecting the brain or spinal cord would be the most relevant population for future therapies based on these findings.

Not a fit: Patients with non-immune neurological disorders or conditions unrelated to CNS autoimmunity are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets for treatments that reduce relapses or disability in conditions such as multiple sclerosis.

How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and lab studies have implicated myeloid and microglial cells in MS-like disease, but focusing on the CD11c+CD88+CD317+ subset is a relatively new approach.

Where this research is happening

Dallas, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.