Targeted B cell tolerance therapy for multiple sclerosis using Ace-DEX microparticles
Official title: Intravenous administered acetalated dextran microparticles for the treatment of multiple sclerosis
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11433098 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new therapy using tiny biopolymer particles given through the vein aims to retrain B cells to tolerate the immune system in people with multiple sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $530,480 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI203505-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11433098 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are people with multiple sclerosis who could benefit from targeted B cell–focused therapies and are eligible for early-phase translational studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with MS who do not respond to B cell–targeted strategies or who have contraindications to intravenous biologics may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a cancer- and autoimmune-disease inspired approach in which specially designed Ace-DEX microparticles are given intravenously to encourage B cells to become tolerant, potentially reducing harmful immune attacks in MS. The study builds on animal data showing that these particles bind to B cells and promote regulatory signals, with the goal of translating this to human treatment. Researchers will study how particle properties affect B cell interactions and tolerance induction, with safety and efficacy markers guiding future steps. The work involves collaboration across immunology and MS research, aiming to minimize broad immune suppression while preserving protection against infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a safer, more targeted treatment for MS by teaching the immune system’s B cells to stop attacking neural tissue.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical data in mice show functional recovery after IV administration of Ace-DEX MPs, supporting further exploration in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bachelder, Eric — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Bachelder, Eric
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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.