Changes in the Immune System in demyelinating autoimmune disorders
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Changes in the Immune System in Multiple Sclerosis and in other demyelinating autoimmune disorders of the central nervous system
IRAS ID
204872
Contact name
Paolo Muraro
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Multiple Sclerosis is a inflammatory autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system which results in the loss of conducting sheath of the nerve fibres located preferentially in the brain and resulting in weakness, paralysis and loss of sensation. Multiple Sclerosis is associated with circulating autoimmune cells that play a crucial role in inflammation. The researcher’s team developed an animal model of multiple sclerosis by introducing these autoimmune cells called lymphocytes into the mouse blood;they discovered that these cells are able to migrate into the brain and mediate inflammatory tissue damage. Also, recent findings have shown that another type of cells called macrophages and dendritic cells are important in causing inflammation. All these cells are constituent of the immune system which seems to work improperly in patients with multiple sclerosis. Molecules called receptors can be detected in sych cells by using specific staining procedures. This study aims to investigate the mechanisms, which are defective in multiple sclerosis and the best method of restoring their functionality. A number of drugs have been identified in Multiple Sclerosis, but none is completely effective or free from potential risks or side effects. The main problem in removing any abnormalities in demyelinating autoimmune disorders from the immune system is that abnormalities are poorly understood. This investigation could be useful for the development of new therapeutic approaches. The ongoing three years funding project will be carried on part in Charing Cross Hospital where blood samples from participating patients with demyelinating autoimmune disorders will be collected and in Hammersmith Campus where the samples will be investigated.
REC name
London - South East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/0172
Date of REC Opinion
26 Jan 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion