Understanding antibodies in children with rapid-onset OCD
Anti-interneuron antibodies in rapid-onset pediatric OCD: clinical generalization and target identification
['FUNDING_R01'] · YALE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11127587
This research explores if certain antibodies in children with sudden-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or PANS might be causing their symptoms.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | YALE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11127587 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Some children experience a very sudden onset of OCD symptoms, often after an infection, a condition called Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS). We believe that in these cases, the body might mistakenly produce antibodies that attack parts of the brain, leading to OCD. Our team has found that antibodies from children with PANDAS, a type of PANS, bind to specific brain cells called interneurons and reduce their activity. This project aims to confirm these findings in more children and identify exactly which brain targets these antibodies are attacking. By understanding this process, we hope to uncover the root cause of rapid-onset OCD in these children.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is most relevant to children aged 0-11 years who have experienced a rapid onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, particularly those associated with PANS or PANDAS.
Not a fit: Patients with typical, gradual-onset OCD not linked to an infection or rapid onset may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to diagnose and treat rapid-onset OCD and PANS by targeting these specific antibodies or their effects.
How similar studies have performed: Our previous work using a novel approach has shown that antibodies from children with PANDAS bind to specific brain cells and reduce their activity, providing a strong foundation for this continued exploration.
Where this research is happening
NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES
- YALE UNIVERSITY — NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PITTENGER, CHRISTOPHER JOHN — YALE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: PITTENGER, CHRISTOPHER JOHN
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.