Regulation of immune cells in MS
In MS, the immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord. And different types of immune cells are involved. Two of the main culprits are T cells and B cells.
These cells usually work together to help the body fight infection. But sometimes these cells can enter the brain and spinal cord and cause inflammation and damage.
It is essential that T cells and B cells are properly controlled. We know that a special group of T cells called follicular regulatory T (Tfr) cells are responsible for keeping the other T cells and B cells in check. And Margarita and her team have some evidence to show that these follicular regulatory T cells don’t function properly in MS. This could explain be why the T and B cells become overactive.
About the project
Margarita and her team will investigate why these Tfr cells are unable to properly manage T and B cells in MS.
The team will take blood samples from participants with relapsing remitting MS, secondary progressive MS and healthy volunteers. They will separate out specific types of T cells from each sample. And see what happens when they’re put in a dish with B cells and Tfr cells. This will reveal what types of T cells are no longer controlled by Tfr cells in MS, and how they interact with B cells.
The team will then study which genes are switched on in Tfr cells of people with relapsing remitting MS and healthy volunteers. They will look at which genes are different, and what these genes do. This will help them to understand more about what is causing the Tfr cells to function differently in MS.
How will it help people with MS?
This project will help us to understand more about how the immune system functions in MS. This could identify new targets for treatments that restore the proper balance of immune cells, stopping or slowing MS progression.
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