THE PROJEcT

In multiple sclerosis (MS), the central nervous system is attacked by immune cells, causing inflammatory reactions. The immune cells produce messenger molecules known as cytokines, which contribute to nerve damage. Interleukin-24 (IL-24) is a cytokine with a deleterious effect in other chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatism and psoriasis, but has not yet been studied in MS. In this project, we shall be determining which immune cells are producing IL-24 in MS patients and what effect IL-24 has on the brain cells. This will show whether IL-24 plays an active part in the disease and whether it can be used as a target in new therapies.