Understanding how immune responses damage nerve cells in optic neuritis
Official title: Mechanisms of immune-mediated neuronal damage in a mouse model of optic neuritis
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-11066231 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the immune system can harm nerve cells in the eyes during optic neuritis, which is often seen in multiple sclerosis, and it hopes to find new ways to protect vision by understanding the role of certain proteins in this process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $51,064 |
| NIH project number | 1F30EY036256-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066231 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who experience symptoms of optic neuritis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with optic neuritis not related to multiple sclerosis or those with other unrelated neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which immune-mediated damage occurs in nerve cells during optic neuritis, a common symptom of multiple sclerosis. Using a mouse model, the study focuses on how immune cells can destabilize microtubules in neurons, leading to inflammation and potential vision loss. The researchers aim to uncover the underlying processes that contribute to neuronal damage, which could help in developing new therapeutic strategies. By examining the role of tau protein and its hyperphosphorylation, the study seeks to provide insights that could be applicable to other neurodegenerative conditions as well.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for optic neuritis and potentially other neurodegenerative diseases by targeting the mechanisms of neuronal damage.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune-mediated neuronal damage in other contexts, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sommers, Kelli C — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Sommers, Kelli C
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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New treatment for optic neuritis using a targeted small molecule inhibitor
This study is testing a new medication called TRE-515 to help people with optic neuritis, a condition that can cause vision problems, by targeting certain immune cells to reduce inflammation and improve vision.
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This trial tests whether privosegtor, added to the usual methylprednisolone treatment, helps people experiencing a first episode of optic neuritis.
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We’re trying to see if the 2022 criteria can correctly identify optic neuritis in patients with new or recent vision problems, including people with certain antibody types.
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This trial will see if starting plasma exchange early versus using it only as a rescue after high-dose steroids improves vision for adults with severe optic neuritis and improves neurologic recovery for adults with severe transverse myelitis.
-
Efgartigimod to speed vision recovery in acute optic neuritis
This pilot will test whether efgartigimod given with standard steroids helps adults having their first episode of optic neuritis regain vision faster and more fully than placebo.
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.