Understanding Auto-antibodies in Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome
Auto-antibodies as predictive markers for Post treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome
['FUNDING_R01'] · TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON · NIH-11136933
This research looks at specific antibodies in people with Lyme disease to understand why some develop long-lasting symptoms after treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11136933 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi, which can hide in the body for a long time. We've found that this bacterium uses parts of your own body's fats, called phospholipids, to build its outer layer. This might cause your immune system to create special antibodies against your own phospholipids. We want to see if these 'auto-antibodies' are higher in people who develop Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) and if they play a role in causing these ongoing symptoms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for patients who have been infected with Lyme disease, especially those experiencing persistent symptoms after antibiotic treatment.
Not a fit: Patients who have not had Lyme disease or who fully recover from Lyme disease without persistent symptoms may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to predict who will develop PTLDS and potentially new treatments targeting these auto-antibodies.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies have shown increased levels of anti-phospholipid antibodies in PTLDS patients, suggesting this approach has a basis in prior findings.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HU, LINDEN T — TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON
- Study coordinator: HU, LINDEN T
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.