Investigators
Dr. Stephanie Trend, Dr. Christian Tjiam, Prof. Martyn French, Prof. Allan Kermode, Prof. Prue Hart
Project description
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an incurable condition where a person’s immune system mistakenly attacks their own brain and spinal cord. Scientists are realising that there might be unique and small groups of abnormal cells within the immune system that are not adequately controlled, and that these could be activated or infected by a specific virus (Epstein-Barr Virus). Infection of B cells with Epstein-Barr Virus is needed for MS to develop, but exactly why this happens is not known. To better understand how MS begins, this project will investigate the changes that occur in B cells in people who are developing MS. This project will study in detail cells that help control this virus in people with early MS, and investigate the changes to immune cells over a period of time in these individuals.
Funders
Bryant Stokes Neurological Research Fund
External collaborators
Prof. Martyn French, Prof. Allan Kermode