Understanding T Cell Changes in Multiple Sclerosis Flares
Official title: T Cell Epigenomic Drivers of Disease Flares in Multiple Sclerosis
Funded at Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason · NIH-11098767 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in certain cells in your immune system might be connected to flare-ups of multiple sclerosis, and it aims to find out what these changes are so that better treatments can be developed for you.
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 | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $216,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI183670-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098767 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis who are willing to provide blood samples over time.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of multiple sclerosis or those who are not experiencing disease flares may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how changes in the epigenome of CD4 T cells are linked to disease flares in individuals with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). By analyzing DNA methylation, chromatin accessibility, and gene expression in T cells from patients over time, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that trigger these flares. Patients will provide longitudinal samples, allowing researchers to compare T cell characteristics during periods of disease activity and remission. The goal is to identify specific epigenomic changes that could inform future treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for predicting and managing disease flares in multiple sclerosis patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that analyzing the epigenomic landscape can provide insights into autoimmune diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Buckner, Jane Hoyt — Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason
- Study coordinator: Buckner, Jane Hoyt
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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.