How might ‘molecular mimics’ in the gut trigger MS?

It’s thought that this could be due to ‘molecular mimicry’. This is when molecules on the surface of the virus (called ‘mimotopes’) look like those in the brain, tricking the immune system into attacking both the virus and the body’s own cells.

About the project  

In their recent research, Dr Jethro Johnson and his team have found mimotopes similar to those in EBV in some of the bacteria that live in the gut. But we don’t yet know how common they are or how they influence someone’s risk of developing MS. This project aims to use data to improve our understanding of the role that mimotopes play in the development of MS.   

Dr Johnson and his team will first create an automated pipeline to search for potential mimotopes in the gut microbiota that might be relevant to MS. They’ll simulate how these mimotopes interact with the immune system, to understand how important they might be in MS.  

Once they’ve identified potential mimotopes, they’ll use data from existing MS trials and public biobanks to understand how common they are in people already living with MS. And those who are at risk of developing MS.  

This research will deepen our understanding of the role the gut microbiome might play in the development of MS. And lay the groundwork for further research into mimotopes, the gut microbiome and MS.  

How will it help people with MS?  

Understanding more about the gut microbiome, and combining this information with what we already know about genetic risk factors for MS, could help researchers to identify people at a higher risk of developing MS. This could improve opportunities for early intervention and treatment, which can improve long-term health and well-being. This work could also feed into global efforts to prevent MS.