Tulane Researchers Identify Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors as Potential Target for Post-Lyme Neurological Symptoms
Researchers at Tulane University have identified fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) as a potential new target for neurological symptoms that can persist after Lyme disease. Their ex vivo study on nervous-system tissue showed that blocking FGFRs reduced inflammation and cell…
Charlotte, NC, September 28, 2026 —
Researchers at Tulane University have identified fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) as a potential target for neurological symptoms that may persist following Lyme disease. The findings suggest a new avenue for therapeutic development in addressing post-treatment Lyme disease, according to a study conducted by the university.
The ex vivo research involved studying nervous-system tissue. In these experiments, blocking FGFRs demonstrated an ability to reduce both inflammation and cell death. These detrimental effects were associated with Lyme bacteria or fragments of the bacteria, the researchers found. This outcome points towards a novel therapeutic pathway that could potentially alleviate the lingering neurological issues experienced by some individuals diagnosed with Lyme disease.
The specific methodology and detailed results of the ex vivo study, including the precise timeline of the research and the exact composition of the nervous-system tissue used, were not fully detailed in the provided summary. Furthermore, the names of the lead researchers or specific departments involved at Tulane University were not disclosed.
Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that can cause a range of symptoms, and for some individuals, neurological complications can persist long after the initial infection has been treated. These persistent symptoms can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life, and the identification of potential new therapeutic targets is a critical step in developing more effective treatments. The study’s focus on FGFRs represents an effort to understand and potentially mitigate the cellular and inflammatory processes that may underlie these chronic neurological effects.
Further investigation and clinical trials would be necessary to determine the efficacy and safety of targeting FGFRs in human patients experiencing post-treatment Lyme disease. The current findings are based on laboratory experiments using tissue samples, and their translation to clinical practice is a future step in the research process. Information regarding the next phases of this research or potential timelines for clinical application was not provided.
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