Stanford University
Steinman Laboratory
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Principal Investigator: Dr. Lawrence Steinman Project Title One: Proteomic Studies Leading to Development of Project Title Two: Potential Biomarkers for disease activity |
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The Stanford team has pioneered the development of technologies to study the proteins, lipids and genes expressed in brain tissue from individuals with demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis, adenoleukodystrophy and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. Their custom made arrays have illuminated the broad range of antibodies in the blood and spinal fluid in various demyelinating conditions. These antibodies are directed to the proteins and lipids of the myelin sheath, to other glia, and to neurons. Some of the most abundant antibodies target molecules that protect the brain and spinal cord from damage, thus attacking the guardian molecules that actually serve to protect the brain. The studies funded by the Foundation in NMO will now enable the group to translate these results into a potent new and highly specific therapy for NMO. The Stanford group has been already been successful in translating their research into new therapies for demyelinating disease. Their research during the early 1990′s lead to the discovery of Tysabri, the most potent approved drug for MS. The long range aim of the Stanford team is to develop a powerful, safe, specific tolerizing immune therapy aimed at eliminating the main immune responses in neuromyelitis optica, while leaving the rest of the immune system intact. Elimination of these pathological immune responses directed to the optic nerve and spinal cord should help arrest the disease. The Stanford University NMO Team
Website: http://steinmanlab.stanford.edu/ |
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