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.

Support given by the Fund Jean and Marie Henkens-Lecloux, managed by the King Baudouin Foundation