Improper binding of fats to proteins contributes to faulty immune cell function in multiple sclerosis patients.

Instead of protecting us, the immune system sometimes goes awry, as in the case of the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis. Previously, we demonstrated that lipids such as fatty acids are essential in driving the disease-promoting and –resolving properties of immune cells in multiple sclerosis. However, the molecular mechanisms involved remain poorly understood. In this study, we aim to unravel if binding of fats to proteins controls faulty immune cell function in multiple sclerosis, and explore whether that knowledge can be utilized for therapeutic purposes.