(#1) Title of the project: Enhance Peripheral Nerve Repair by Modulating Macrophage Subsets
Investigator:
Gang Zhang, M.D; Ph.D
Assistant Professor of Neurology
University of Texas, Health Sciences Center at Houston
Synopsis:
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is now the first-line therapy for Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). However, there are many disadvantages including high cost, supply shortages, and multiple side effects that are usually associated with high dose and long infusion time of IVIg. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies that can limit the nerve injury during the acute phase of the disease and enhance repair during recovery period are highly desirable. It is in this context we propose a novel strategy of modulating macrophage polarization (promote M2 polarization) for treating GBS.
(#2) Title of the project: Probing the role of skin biopsy in CIDP nodo-paranodopathies
Investigator:
Raffaella Lombardi, B.S., Fondazione IRCCS Instituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
Co-Investigators:
Jerome Devaux, Ph.D,
Diego Franciotta, M.D., Ph.D,
Giuseppe Lauria, M.D.1
Synopsis:
IgG4 antibodies against some proteins at the node of Ranvier, anti-neurofascin 155 (Nfasc155) or anti-contactin 1 (CNTN1) have recently been identified in the serum of a subset of CIDP patients. Identification of specific changes in myelinated dermal skin nerves and correlation with clinical course and serological data are unknown. We aim addressing these issues to provide new biomarkers of disease activity and patient stratification.
(#3) The Ernest Hayden Award
Title of the project: Flavivirus and Arbovirus associated Guillain-Barré syndrome in South and South-East Asia.
Investigator:
Dr. Thirugnanam Umapathi
Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute (NNI), Singapore,
Co-Investigators:
Dr Say Saysavath, Mittaphab Hospital; Dr Somchit Vorachit, Setthathirath Hospital,Vientiane,
Laos. Dr Hoang Nghia, Vietnam 175 Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam,Dr Surat Tanprawate, Chiangmai University, Thailand, Dr Mohammad Wasay; Dr Sara Khan, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan, Dr Terrence Thomas, KKH Children’s Hospital, Singapore,Dr Hugh Willison, Glasgow University, UK Dr Bart Jacobs, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Dr Ooi, Eng Eong, Duke-NUS, Singapore, Dr Lisa F.P. Ng, A*Star Singapore.
Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital Wellcome Trust Research Unit’s (LOMWRU), Vientiane, Laos
Synopsis:
This is a prospective, observational multi-center study of GBS in six S SEA countries. GBS patients and hospital, community controls will be tested for evidence of recent infection and serological response to previous/coinfections with flavi/arbovirus.
For information regarding Grants please contact Lori.Basiege@gbs-cidp.org.