Tulane Researchers Discover Potential New Treatment for Persistent Lyme Disease Symptoms

Researchers at Tulane University have made a significant advancement in the quest to alleviate the burden of post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome. A new study published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology reveals that fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitors, previously used in cancer treatment, can significantly reduce inflammation and cell death in brain and nerve tissue samples infected with Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease.

The research team, led by Dr. Geetha Parthasarathy, an assistant professor at the Tulane National Primate Research Center, found that FGFR1, FGFR2, and FGFR3 are activated in response to both live and non-viable Lyme bacteria. By inhibiting these receptors, the neuroinflammatory and neuropathogenic effects of the infection can be mitigated. This discovery suggests that focusing on FGFR pathways may offer a novel therapeutic approach to addressing persistent neurological symptoms in patients with post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome.

Why this matters: Post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome affects a significant number of individuals who continue to experience debilitating symptoms like memory loss, fatigue, and pain even after receiving antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease. This study represents a significant progress in understanding and potentially managing the complex aftermath of Lyme disease, offering renewed hope to patients and healthcare professionals.

The researchers treated nerve tissue samples with live or inactivated Borrelia burgdorferi, followed by an application of FGFR inhibitors. They observed a significant reduction in both inflammatory markers and cell death, indicating the potential effectiveness of these inhibitors in combating the neurological effects of Lyme disease. Dr. Parthasarathy believes that "targeting the FGFR pathways holds great potential as a novel therapeutic approach to address the underlying neuroinflammation driving these persistent symptoms."

While further research is needed to translate these findings into clinical treatments, the study was funded by the Bay Area Lyme Foundation, with support from Project Lyme and the Tulane National Primate Research Center. The lead investigator emphasizes that two biologics, such as monoclonal antibodies, may be needed to effectively curb persistent neuroinflammation and pathology in the central and peripheral nervous systems of neurological Lyme patients.

The discovery of FGFR inhibitors as a possible treatment for post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome marks a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against the lasting effects of Lyme disease. As Dr. Parthasarathy states, "This finding offers a potential new treatment for persistent neurological symptoms in patients with post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome, a condition marked by lingering symptoms after antibiotic treatment." The research team's dedication and innovative approach bring renewed optimism to those affected by this challenging condition.

Key Takeaways

• FGFR inhibitors can reduce inflammation and cell death in Lyme-infected brain/nerve tissue.
• Inhibiting FGFR1, FGFR2, and FGFR3 can mitigate neuroinflammatory effects of Lyme infection.
• Targeting FGFR pathways may offer a novel therapy for persistent neurological Lyme symptoms.
• Further research is needed to translate these findings into clinical treatments for post-Lyme syndrome.
• Two biologics may be needed to effectively curb persistent neuroinflammation in neurological Lyme patients.