Using a radioactive tracer to detect immune cells in the brain for multiple sclerosis and PML

Central Nervous System Uptake of Anti-CD8+ T Cell Minibodies in Multiple Sclerosis and Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy: A Pilot Study

Phase 1 Interventional National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT05849467

This study is testing a new radioactive tracer to see if it can help find certain immune cells in the brains of people with multiple sclerosis and PML.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment15 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 120 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) NIH
Drugs / interventionscrefmirlimab, Dfcrefmirlimab
Locations1 site (Bethesda, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT05849467 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an experimental radioactive tracer, known as a minibody, in detecting CD8+ T lymphocytes in the central nervous system of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) using positron emission tomography (PET) scans. Participants aged 18 and older will undergo a series of tests, including physical exams, blood tests, MRI scans, and possibly spinal taps over a period of 4 to 6 weeks. The primary goal is to assess the uptake of the tracer in different brain regions, while also monitoring safety and tolerability.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with multiple sclerosis or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have MS or PML, or those who are unable to comply with study procedures, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance the understanding and diagnosis of MS and PML by providing a noninvasive method to visualize immune cell activity in the brain.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in the context of MS and PML, similar imaging techniques have shown promise in other inflammatory conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA:

In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:

Multiple Sclerosis Inclusion Criteria

* Enrolled in the NINDS Natural History Study for MS (protocol 89-N-0045)
* Able to understand, and willing to sign, a written, informed consent document.
* Willing to comply with all study procedures and available for the duration of the study.
* Male or female, aged \>=18.
* Diagnosis of MS according to the 2017 revision of the McDonald diagnostic criteria48 (in the presence or absence of a clinical relapse).

PML Inclusion Criteria

* Enrolled in the NINDS Natural History Study for PML (protocol 13-N-0017)
* Able to understand and willing to sign a written, informed consent document
* Willing to comply with all study procedures and available for the duration of the study.
* Male or female, aged \>=18.
* Diagnosis of definite PML according to 2013 AAN Consensus Criteria49 or PML-IRIS based on clinical, radiological and laboratory evidence.

Patients with Known or Suspected Neuroinflammatory Diseases and Evidence of Open BBB Inclusion Criteria

-Clinical evaluation suggesting an inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system other than MS or PML. Other confirmed neuroinflammatory disorders may include -MOGAD, NMOSD, Behcet's syndrome, and neurosarcoidosis. Unconfirmed, though

suspected cases of neuroinflammation may also be included.

* Recent brain MRI (within 1 month) with gadolinium enhancement indicating open BBB.
* Able to understand and willing to sign a written, informed consent document.
* Willing to comply with all study procedures and available for the duration of the study.
* Male or female, aged \>=18.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:

* Pregnant or lactating.
* Contraindications for MRI gadolinium contrast administration or 3T MRI.
* History of, or current diagnosis with, concomitant medical or clinical conditions that would adversely affect participation in this study.
* Weighs \> 350 lb. (158 kg; weight limit for the scanner table) or is unable to fit within the MRI or PET imaging gantry.
* Severe claustrophobia unresponsive to oral anxiolytics.
* Has an alkaline phosphatase level greater than 2x ULN (unless known to have non-liver related disorder) OR AST greater than 1.5 x ULN OR ALT greater than 1.5 x ULN.
* Has a total bilirubin \>1.5X ULN, unless known to have elevated bilirubin due to nonliver related disorder or Gilbert s.
* Creatinine clearance \< 60 mL/min as estimated by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI)
* For females of reproductive potential: inability to use highly effective contraception for at least one month prior to screening and during study participation.

Where this trial is running

Bethesda, Maryland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Progressive Multifocal LeukoencephalopathyMultiple SclerosisOther Neuroinflammatory Diseases With BBB Leakage89 Zr-Df-crefmirlimabPET Imaging
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.