Restoring immune tolerance to help control multiple sclerosis
Restoring Immune Tolerance in a Model of Multiple Sclerosis
This project tests a virus-based treatment that aims to teach the immune system to tolerate myelin and reduce inflammation for people with multiple sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11324128 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are using a harmless adeno-associated virus (AAV) to deliver myelin antigens that train the immune system to produce antigen-specific regulatory T cells (Tregs) to calm damaging inflammation. In mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS, the AAV immunotherapy prevented disease and reduced symptoms in animals with established mild to severe disease. The team is also studying how to address 'epitope spreading' by targeting multiple myelin antigens that can appear as disease progresses. These preclinical results aim to inform the design of future human trials of antigen-specific tolerance therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future trials would be people with relapsing or established multiple sclerosis who are interested in antigen-specific immunotherapies.
Not a fit: Patients with long-standing progressive MS with extensive irreversible nerve damage, or whose disease is not primarily driven by myelin-specific autoimmunity, may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce relapses and protect nerves by retraining the immune system to specifically tolerate myelin, potentially avoiding broad immunosuppression.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical animal studies and prior work on antigen-specific regulatory T cells have shown promise, but human trials of AAV-based antigen tolerance for MS are still limited.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Keeler, Geoffrey D — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Keeler, Geoffrey D
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.