Understanding how certain immune cells contribute to multiple sclerosis
Official title: Modulation of pathogenic T cells in EAE
Funded at Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason · NIH-10985010 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special type of immune cell, called CD4+ T helper cells, affects multiple sclerosis, and it hopes to find ways to change their behavior to help manage the condition better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | November 13, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $210,126 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI176366-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10985010 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis or those at risk of developing this autoimmune condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other autoimmune diseases that do not involve CD4+ T cells or those without a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of CD4+ T helper cells in multiple sclerosis (MS) using an animal model known as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The team will track and study a specific type of T cell that produces a cytokine called IL-2, which is crucial for T cell function. By examining how these IL-2+ T cells behave during the progression of MS, the researchers aim to identify ways to modulate their activity and potentially reduce their harmful effects on the central nervous system. This work could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing MS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that better control the immune response in patients with multiple sclerosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in modulating immune responses in similar autoimmune conditions, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bettelli, Estelle — Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason
- Study coordinator: Bettelli, Estelle
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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.