Understanding the Immune System in Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome
Immunology of Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome
This project aims to understand how the immune system behaves differently in people who continue to have symptoms after Lyme disease treatment compared to those who fully recover.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11184322 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are exploring why some individuals continue to experience symptoms even after receiving treatment for Lyme disease, a condition known as Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS). It is thought that the immune system might play a key role in these ongoing symptoms, similar to what is observed in conditions like fibromyalgia or other long-term effects following infections. Our approach involves comparing immune responses and the cellular makeup of blood samples from patients with PTLDS against those who have fully recovered from Lyme disease. By using advanced methods to examine proteins and gene expression, we hope to pinpoint specific immune system changes that are linked to the persistence of symptoms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is for individuals who have been treated for Lyme disease and either continue to experience symptoms or have fully recovered.
Not a fit: Patients whose symptoms are not related to Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to diagnose and treat the persistent symptoms of Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have suggested immune system activation and auto-antibodies in PTLDS, but consistent findings and specific mechanisms are still being sought.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Tufts University Boston — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hu, Linden T — Tufts University Boston
- Study coordinator: Hu, Linden T
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 below.