New Imaging Method for Inflammation in Multiple Sclerosis
PET Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor 1 (S1P1) radiotracer for inflammation response in multiple sclerosis
This project aims to develop a new imaging tool to better see inflammation in the brains of people with multiple sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126676 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Multiple sclerosis involves an immune response that damages the brain, and a protein called S1PR1 plays a big role in how immune cells move around and cause inflammation. While some MS medications target S1PR1, we still need a better way to see exactly what S1PR1 is doing in the brain. This project is creating a special imaging agent, called a radiotracer, for PET scans to help doctors visualize S1PR1 activity. By using this new tracer, we hope to get a clearer picture of inflammation in the brains of people with MS.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who are interested in advanced brain imaging may be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have multiple sclerosis or are not suitable for PET imaging may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new imaging technique could help doctors better understand inflammation in MS and potentially guide treatment decisions for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work on a similar imaging agent has shown it is safe for human use and can detect S1PR1 in the brain.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tu, Zhude — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Tu, Zhude
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.