Can a type of immune cell help keep T cells in a safe state?

In MS, the immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord. One type of immune cell involved is the ‘T cell’. T cells are usually helpful cells that fight infections and help other cells of the immune system carry out their jobs. But in conditions like MS, T cells can take on a different, damaging role.  

T cells interact with another type of immune cell, called neutrophils. Neutrophils are important for keeping T cells in a safe state. But new research has found that neutrophils from people with MS may be different to those from people without MS. Neutrophils from people without MS were able to keep the T cells in a safe state, while those from people living with MS couldn't. 

About the project   

The researchers now want to investigate how neutrophils suppress damaging T cells, and why neutrophils from people with MS are unable to do so.  

They will do this in three ways.  

1. Examine the neutrophils from people living with and without MS, and observe how the cells behave in the body.  
2. Record interactions between neutrophils and T cells with the help of computer programmes and cells in a dish.  
3. Determine which of these interactions is important for triggering T cells to become like the ones we see in MS. 

How will it help people with MS?   

This project could help us to understand more about how the immune system works in MS. Eventually, this could help us identify new targets for treatments for MS.  

Because the study will improve our general understanding of T cells and neutrophils, it could also be relevant for other conditions that are affected by these cells, like Rheumatoid Arthritis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.