Tracking immune responses and treatment effects in multiple sclerosis using advanced imaging techniques
Official title: In vivo tracking of innate immune activation and therapeutic response in MS mouse models using [18F]OP-801
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11058307 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to see how certain immune cells behave in people with multiple sclerosis, which could help doctors better understand the disease and personalize treatments for each patient.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | May 16, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $424,234 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS135513-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058307 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young adults diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who are experiencing variable disease manifestations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable, non-active multiple sclerosis or those who do not respond to immunomodulatory therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to better understand the immune responses in multiple sclerosis (MS) by using a novel imaging technique that can track specific immune cells in real-time. The approach focuses on identifying activated macrophages and microglia in the central nervous system, which are key players in MS pathology. By providing detailed molecular information about these immune cells, the research aims to improve the prediction of treatment responses and help tailor therapies for individual patients. This non-invasive method could lead to more effective management of MS by allowing for earlier and more accurate assessments of disease activity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective treatment strategies for patients with multiple sclerosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques to track immune responses in other conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel approach in MS.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: James, Michelle Louise — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: James, Michelle Louise
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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.