Targeting a fat-processing enzyme to reduce brain inflammation in multiple sclerosis
Official title: New Approaches to Combat CNS Inflammation: Targeting a Metabolic Enzyme in Demyelinating Disease
Funded at Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys · NIH-11264872 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Looks at whether blocking a fat-processing enzyme called DGAT1 can calm immune attacks in people with multiple sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Palo Alto, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2019 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX004115-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11264872 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with MS—particularly those with active inflammatory disease or relapsing forms—would be the likely future candidates for therapies developed from this work.
✕Less likely to help
People with mainly progressive, non-inflammatory forms of MS or those needing immediate treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this early-stage research.
What this research studies
This project focuses on multiple sclerosis (MS) and an enzyme called DGAT1 that helps immune cells process fats and vitamin A. Researchers are using immune cells and an established mouse model of MS (EAE) to see how DGAT1 affects the T cells that attack myelin. They will use genetic and drug-based approaches to block DGAT1 and watch whether this reduces inflammation and protects myelin in the central nervous system. This preclinical work at VA Palo Alto aims to identify a new target that could lead to future treatments for people with MS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that reduce immune-driven myelin damage and help prevent relapses or disability in MS.
How similar studies have gone: Existing MS drugs successfully target immune cells, but targeting DGAT1 in immune cells is a novel approach that has not yet been tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys
Palo Alto, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zabel, Brian a. — Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys
- Study coordinator: Zabel, Brian a.
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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.