People with MS have higher levels of immune molecule in their spinal fluid
A protein that helps dampen the immune response is more abundant in the spinal fluid of people with multiple sclerosis (MS), suggesting that the protein, called TREM-2, may be a contributor to the condition. The study was published in the Journal Brain this month.
MS is caused by an over-active immune system. While it initially seems that more of a protein which can dampen the immune response would be beneficial, in fact this protein does not appear to be located in the correct place to do its job properly. Normally it is located on the surface of immune cells. However researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found the extra TREM-2 was floating freely in spinal fluid. Currently it is unclear what effects this may have, however the researchers have suggested that the TREM-2 in spinal fluid could be making it harder for the TREM-2 that is attached to immune cells to keep the cells' response under control.
TREM-2 is a receptor protein, which means that another molecule activates it. Scientists don't currently know what that other molecule is, but the TREM-2 in the spinal fluid could be binding to the molecule, reducing the chances that it will bind to and activate TREM-2 attached to immune cells. If this theory is confirmed, the TREM-2 in the spinal fluid or its unknown partner could become targets for new MS treatments.
After researchers identified TREM-2 in the spinal fluid, they compared that form of the protein in people with various types of MS, people with other inflammatory conditions of the central nervous system, and people with non-inflammatory central nervous system conditions. To ensure that the soluble TREM-2 wasn't seeping into the spinal fluid from the bloodstream, they also analysed TREM-2 levels in blood.
While there were no differences in blood levels, the soluble form of TREM-2 was significantly higher in the spinal fluid of people with MS.
The researchers now plan to develop MS animal models where the TREM-2 gene has been altered to learn more about the protein's effects on the immune system.
TREM-2 is a receptor protein, which means that another molecule activates it. Scientists don't currently know what that other molecule is, but the TREM-2 in the spinal fluid could be binding to the molecule, reducing the chances that it will bind to and activate TREM-2 attached to immune cells. If this theory is confirmed, the TREM-2 in the spinal fluid or its unknown partner could become targets for new MS treatments.
After researchers identified TREM-2 in the spinal fluid, they compared that form of the protein in people with various types of MS, people with other inflammatory conditions of the central nervous system, and people with non-inflammatory central nervous system conditions. To ensure that the soluble TREM-2 wasn't seeping into the spinal fluid from the bloodstream, they also analysed TREM-2 levels in blood.
While there were no differences in blood levels, the soluble form of TREM-2 was significantly higher in the spinal fluid of people with MS.
The researchers now plan to develop MS animal models where the TREM-2 gene has been altered to learn more about the protein's effects on the immune system.
