Using immune signals to calm brain inflammation in multiple sclerosis
Targeting TGFb/IFNy-IRF8 Signaling to Modulate Monocytes and their Crosstalk with Microglia and Astrocytes to Treat Multiple Sclerosis
This work looks at whether shifting specific immune signals in blood immune cells can promote protective brain immune cells for people with progressive multiple sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11354011 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
I will learn how signals called TGFβ, IFNγ, and the regulator IRF8 change the behavior of monocytes and brain cells (microglia and astrocytes) in multiple sclerosis. The team uses laboratory MS models, patient blood cells, and molecular tools to change those signals and observe how immune cells respond. They compare cells from people with secondary‑progressive MS to controls and test ways to push immune cells back toward a protective state. The effort aims to find targets that could later be developed into treatments to slow or stop disease progression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with secondary‑progressive multiple sclerosis who can provide blood samples or join translational research visits are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without MS or those seeking an immediate therapy rather than participation in laboratory/sample-based research are unlikely to directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal new ways to reprogram immune cells to reduce harmful brain inflammation and slow progression of MS.
How similar studies have performed: Some laboratory and patient-cell studies show TGFβ/IFNγ signaling can shift immune cells toward protective programs, but turning those findings into effective treatments for progressive MS remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Butovsky, Oleg — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Butovsky, Oleg
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.