We offer two summaries to allow everyone – patient, loved one, caregiver, or researcher – to understand the key issues of this research, each at their own level.
Science is at its best when it is open to all.
For everyone – Summary in plain language
Understanding how immune cells both harm and heal in MS
In MS, immune cells called macrophages play a key role by breaking down myelin, the protective layer around nerves, while also helping with repair.
Our research deals with specific enzymes these cells produce when they interact with myelin. These enzymes can both cause damage and healing.
By understanding their role, we hope to uncover new insights and potential treatments for MS.
For specialists – Scientific summary
Mapping proteolytic changes in myelin-challenged macrophages
In MS, the immune system attacks myelin, the protective sheath that surrounds the nerve fibres. Macrophages – immune cells involved in both the destruction and regeneration of myelin – play a crucial role in this process. They patrol the body and pick up myelin fragments, hence their ‘foamy’ appearance.
Our research specifically targets the proteases produced by macrophages when they come into contact with myelin. These enzymes break down proteins and play a twofold role in MS: they contribute to inflammation and tissue damage, but also assist healing.
By studying these proteases, we intend to gather new insights into MS and identify potentially therapeutic proteins.
We use macrophage precursor cells from the blood of healthy donors, stimulate their development into macrophages and expose them to human myelin.
This enables us to know which proteases are produced and how they alter other proteins.
This research may lead to new MS treatments.
