Understanding how autoimmune diseases affect certain brain receptors
Official title: Structural mechanisms of autoimmune diseases targeting cys-loop receptors
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11005383 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the immune system might mistakenly attack certain brain receptors in people with neurological diseases like myasthenia gravis and autoimmune encephalitis, and it aims to find out more about how these attacks happen by examining blood and spinal fluid from patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $592,722 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS130831-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11005383 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, autoimmune encephalitis, or autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with autoimmune diseases not involving cys-loop receptors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of autoimmune responses against cys-loop receptors in various neurological diseases, such as myasthenia gravis and autoimmune encephalitis. By analyzing blood and cerebrospinal fluid from affected patients, the team aims to identify and clone antibodies that target these receptors. The study will utilize advanced techniques like electrophysiology to assess how these antibodies inhibit receptor function, and will also explore the structural details of antibody-receptor interactions. This approach seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms of these autoimmune diseases, which are not yet fully understood.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for patients suffering from autoimmune neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding autoimmune mechanisms targeting neuronal receptors, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hibbs, Ryan E — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Hibbs, Ryan E
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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.