Understanding how certain receptors in brain cells affect myelin repair
Official title: Investigating the Role of Endosomal Toll-Like Receptors in Remyelination
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-10998577 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in the brain might get in the way of repairing the protective covering around nerve fibers, which is important for people with conditions like multiple sclerosis, and it hopes to find new ways to help improve that repair process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $36,369 |
| NIH project number | 1F31NS139677-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10998577 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-demyelinating neurological conditions may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of endosomal toll-like receptors (TLRs) in microglia, which are immune cells in the brain, and how their activation may hinder the repair of myelin, a protective layer around nerve fibers. The study uses animal models to explore whether the phagocytosis of myelin by microglia leads to abnormal TLR signaling that suppresses remyelination. By examining these mechanisms, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets for improving myelin repair in demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance myelin repair in patients with demyelinating diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses in demyelinating diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stillman, Jacob Maxwell — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Stillman, Jacob Maxwell
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.