Tim-1 in B cells and how it prevents autoimmune inflammation in the brain
Role of Tim-l in B Cells in regulating autoimmunity in the CNS
This work looks at whether the protein Tim-1 on B cells helps those cells calm harmful autoimmune inflammation in the brain for people with autoimmune diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11318910 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use mice engineered to lack Tim-1 only in B cells to see how losing Tim-1 changes B cell behavior and leads to inflammation in organs including the brain. They study whether Tim-1 is required for B cells to bind dying cells and produce the anti-inflammatory molecule IL-10. The team will analyze B cell activation, the transcription factors that turn on Tim-1, and signs of meningeal inflammation and paralysis in the mouse model. Findings will show whether boosting Tim-1 or its pathways could be a way to stop autoimmune attacks on the central nervous system.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autoimmune conditions that affect the central nervous system or those interested in future trials targeting B-cell regulation would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients with non-immune neurological disorders or conditions not driven by B-cell autoimmunity are unlikely to see direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new treatments that boost regulatory B cells or Tim-1 activity to reduce autoimmune inflammation in the brain.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal work shows Tim-1 on B cells is linked to IL-10 production and reduced autoimmunity, but translating these findings into human therapies has not yet been achieved.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kuchroo, Vijay K. — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Kuchroo, Vijay K.
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.